This winter, Alaska experienced unusually warm temperatures, with the December-to-January period being the state's second-warmest on record, and some areas even seeing temperatures 12 degrees Fahrenheit above average. This warmth led to snowless conditions and impacted traditional winter sports like the Iditarod race, which had to be relocated to Fairbanks. [1, 2, 3]
Here's a more detailed look at the situation: [4, 5]
Unusually Warm Temperatures: Since December 2024, temperatures across Alaska were 5–10 degrees Fahrenheit (3–6 degrees Celsius) above normal, with some areas experiencing even greater anomalies. [4, 5]
Impact on Snowpack: The warm temperatures caused existing snow and ice to melt and new precipitation to fall as rain, leading to snowless conditions in many areas. [4, 5]
Impact on Winter Sports: The warm, snowless conditions impacted traditional winter sports, like the Iditarod, which had to be relocated to Fairbanks for the fourth time in its history. [2, 3]
Record-Breaking Warmth: The December-to-January period was the state's second-warmest on record. [1, 2]
Climate Change Connection: Alaska Public Media reports that these unusually warm conditions are connected to long-term climate change. [2]
Southerly Flows: A persistent southerly atmospheric flow brought warm weather from across the Pacific Ocean, contributing to the warm temperatures. [6]
Scarcity of Snow Days: There were significantly fewer measurable snowfall days since October 1, 2024, compared to the previous year. [5]
Huslia: The small settlement of Huslia, near the edge of the Arctic Circle, experienced temperatures about 20 degrees warmer than average. [7]
Fairbanks: Fairbanks experienced only its second above-freezing low temperature during the month of January on record. [7]
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mnstang ·
Pelle15 Newest Member ·