Weather
Alaska Weather: October 26' Ends Warm With Major Rainfall Differences
Fairbanks, AK – October 2026 ended with unusually warm temperatures across several Alaska communities, while dramatic differences in precipitation left some locations experiencing one of their wettest
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-11-01T21:21:23.726Z
Fairbanks, AK – October 2026 ended with unusually warm temperatures across several Alaska communities, while dramatic differences in precipitation left some locations experiencing one of their wettest Octobers on record and others considerably drier than normal.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, above normal temperatures were the dominant weather pattern across its forecast region during October, with western Alaska generally experiencing wetter conditions than parts of the Interior.
Alaska Communities Finish October Warmer Than Normal Fairbanks recorded an average monthly temperature of 30.3 degrees, approximately 3.3 degrees above normal.
Its average daytime high reached 36.4 degrees, while the average overnight low was 24.3 degrees.
Kotzebue experienced similar warmth, finishing with an average temperature of 31.2 degrees, approximately 3.9 degrees above normal.
Northway recorded an average temperature of 26 degrees, 3 degrees above normal, while McGrath finished at 32 degrees, 3.5 degrees above normal.
Farther north, Barrow recorded an average temperature of 24.2 degrees, approximately 1.5 degrees above normal.
Two Alaska Locations Record Exceptionally Wet October Precipitation totals revealed significant differences across the region.
Kotzebue recorded 2.6 inches of precipitation, approximately 1.6 inches above normal, making October 2026 its second wettest October on record.
McGrath received 3.6 inches, approximately 2.2 inches above normal, ranking as its third wettest October.
Meanwhile, Northway recorded just 0.04 inches of precipitation, approximately 0.4 inches below normal, making it the eighth driest October on record.
Fairbanks received 1.1 inches, slightly above normal, while Barrow measured 0.6 inches, slightly below normal.
November Begins Following Unusually Warm Month The October statistics illustrate how Alaska's vast geography can produce dramatically different precipitation patterns despite widespread temperature trends.
The NWS summary covers observed conditions during October and does not establish what weather will occur throughout November.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local forecasts as Alaska moves deeper into its winter season.