Weather
Alaska Weather Alert: Warmer November Expected as Winter Sets In
Fairbanks, AK – Alaska is heading into November with a warmer than normal temperature outlook across much of the state, even as rapidly shrinking daylight and falling seasonal temperatures signal the
By Avery Collins · 2026-11-02T03:15:45.620Z
Fairbanks, AK – Alaska is heading into November with a warmer than normal temperature outlook across much of the state, even as rapidly shrinking daylight and falling seasonal temperatures signal the approaching winter months.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the November 2026 monthly temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures across Alaska, including Fairbanks, Anchorage, Nome, Kotzebue and portions of the state's Arctic and southeastern regions.
The outlook, issued Saturday, Oct. 31, shows particularly strong probabilities of above normal temperatures across portions of central and southern Alaska. However, warmer than normal conditions do not necessarily mean mild weather.
In Fairbanks, average daily temperatures typically fall sharply throughout November. The National Weather Service reports that the city's average high and low begin the month near 20 and 5 degrees, respectively, before dropping to approximately 8 and minus 9 degrees by the end of November.
That means temperatures could still fall well below freezing even if the month finishes warmer than historical averages.
Historical temperature charts for Fairbanks, Nome, Kotzebue and McGrath also demonstrate how dramatically conditions can change during Alaska's transition into winter.
The charts show substantial differences between typical temperatures and historical extremes, with some interior Alaska locations experiencing temperatures far below zero during the coldest periods of the year.
For residents, the November outlook is an important reminder that above normal temperatures do not eliminate winter hazards.
Snow covered roads, freezing conditions and reduced daylight can still create challenging travel conditions, particularly across interior and northern Alaska.
The Climate Prediction Center's outlook represents the probability of monthly temperatures finishing above, near or below normal rather than a day by day forecast.
Residents should continue monitoring local National Weather Service forecasts for specific temperature changes, snowfall and travel conditions throughout November.