Alaska is famous for many things but the bone-chilling weather always scores first place in the list! If you are thinking of visiting Alaska or perhaps settling there then make sure to learn everything about its weather!
Going to Alaska during winners requires special preparation, precautions, and consideration. In this article, we will discuss whether the tales of Alaska’s brutal cold are actually true. More specifically, let’s see how cold Alaska is as per its winter temperature. Keep reading to learn more.
What are the Maximum Temperatures in Alaska
When it comes to the subject of Alaska’s temperatures, its reputation certainly precedes it. Affected by latitude and elevation, this state experiences dramatic seasonal changes. However, the temperatures vary based on various factors including but not limited to location and climate zone.
Speaking on a general basis, the average temperature ranges between 0°F / -18°C and -30°F / -35°C from November to March.
The extreme temperature can be quite brutal. In fact, the lowest one recorded is that of Prospect Creek (a remote location in Alaska’s interior). On January 23, 1931, the temperature in this region dropped as low as -80°F (-62.2°C). Not only is it the coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States but it’s also pretty close to the lowest recorded temperature in all of North America, the rank that is currently held by Snag, Yukon, Canada at -81°F (-63.3°C).
Examples
Some other examples of the cold temperatures in Alaska are listed below.
- Early February 2024: the lowest temperature recorded in the Anchorage area was -34°F (-36.7°C) at JBER/Ft. Richardson.
- February 2024: the lowest temperature recorded in Alaska was -64°F (-53.3°C) at an automated weather station in Kanuti Flats.
- February 2024: The lowest temperature recorded in a community in Alaska was -62°F (-52.2°C) in Chicken.
Comparison
If we compare some of the coldest Alaska weather with that of other places on Earth, it can help us get a general idea of its cold. Antarctica, the coldest place on earth, experiences temperatures as extreme as -100 c. Some details recorded at the Vostok Station, a Russian research station on the Antarctic Plateau, state that they recorded -89.2°C.
Other than that, Verkhoyansk Russia is also known to have cold temperatures. In fact, this place is known as the “poles of cold”. We can see that while the Gulf of Alaska is extremely cold (one of the coldest states in the United States), it doesn’t compare to the places in the northern regions. Alaska CAN get extremely cold but its average temperature is low when put in contrast to some other places on Earth.
What are the Regional Variations
As mentioned above, the primary differences in Alaska’s ranging temperature occur due to regional variations. Some places are colder than others due to their climate zones. The state has three zones; Arctic, subarctic, and maritime, all subject to different temperatures.
Northern Alaska
Northern Alaska has an Arctic circle climate which comprises cold, long winters and cool summer months. As for the temperatures, they are the coldest in the north, ranging between 0°C and 10°C during the day. Furthermore, they drop below the freezing point at night.
Examples: Fairbanks and Barrow are in the northern areas of Alaska
Southern Alaska
Southern Alaska has a Subarctic climate. It has moderate summer temperatures with fewer hours of daylight and relatively mild winters. The temperatures in the southern part of Alaska, such as Anchorage or Juneau, can range from 10°C to 15°C during the day. The temperate rainforest climate makes up for milder weather.
Examples: Anchorage and Juneau are in the southern part of Alaska
Interior Alaska
The Interior of Alaska, on the other hand, has an Extreme subarctic climate. This part of Alaska experiences the greatest seasonal temperature contrast. As for the temperatures, the maximum is in the upper 70s during the summer season. Since it has a continental climate, the average winter temperature in the interior is between 20° F (−7° C) and −10° F (−23° C)
Examples: Takotna is in the interior of Alaska
Coastal areas vs. inland areas
The main temperature variations take place because of the difference between the coastal and inland regions of Alaska. The inland and arctic parts of the state experience cold temperatures, as low as -30 f while the coastal regions are much more temperate. Coastal regions experience the warmest winters. The temperatures here rarely drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter season. Meanwhile, they fall between 20–60° F during the summers.
Considering other natural factors, the regions located at higher elevations will experience colder temperatures.
The Wind Chill in the Alaska Range
The wind chill factor is also a notable thing to consider while talking about Alaska’s cold weather. In case you don’t know, this concept relates to the difference between the actual air temperature and how cold it feels. The wind chill factor and its impact on perceived temperature in Alaska is very much real as the air temperature drops and the wind takes on a chilling effect.
As you might know, Alaska experiences all kinds of extreme weather including blizzards, ice storms, and even polar vortex events. The wind chill and cold air factor further elevate the impact of these events and work to create a brutal cold.
Examples
There have been an ample number of notable winter storms in Alaska over history, let’s look at some examples.
- 1952–1953
Thompson Pass received 974.1 inches of snow. This is the most amount ever recorded in a single season in the state. - 2016
A cold winter storm with heavy snowfall and winds of over 50 mph left thousands of residents without power. - 2018
Heavy snow caused the roofs of the Masonic Temple and the F&H Fitness Studio to collapse. - 2021
In recent years, a series of three consecutive storms brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and high winds, causing widespread power outages and making travel difficult.
How Does the Cold Impact Daily Life?
Alaska’s cold affects various aspects of citizens’ daily life. For instance, the precipitation (in the form of ice and snow) makes it difficult for Alaskans to travel. Normal things such as commuting, power lines, shopping, and outdoor activities can become near impossible. Other than that, the cold’s effect on physical and mental health is also very important. Exposure to low temperatures can put individuals at risk of various health issues such as hypothermia and frostbite. This is a major risk in Arctic regions. As for mental health, people can feel isolated in their homes while being cut off from outdoor recreational activities.
However, do note that there are some positive aspects of this cold too. The winter snow makes for a great tourist attraction while allowing room for snow-related activities, winter activities, and winter sports. Meanwhile, indoor gyms can be used for social activities and connections. Traveling can be done over the snow by various means like dog sledding.
Safety Precautions
Since there are various health risks and hazards associated with the infamous Alaskan cold, you should always take necessary safety precautions.
- It is a good idea to dress in layers
- Stay dry and stay active, especially on cold days
- Monitor your condition
- Stay up to date on the latest weather conditions by listening to weather stations.
- Carry cold weather gear in case of sudden changes
- Stay active
- Preserve food accordingly
Conclusion
This state is a beautiful place and its charm invites people from all over the world. However, if you are in one of the immoderate regions during winter months, you’ll need to prepare accordingly and take all the necessary precautions to live through it! Alaska’s summer is very different from its winter so make sure to remember that.
We hope this article helped you understand how cold it really is in winter in Alaska. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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