Skagway, Alaska – Life-threatening cold is tightening its grip on Southeast Alaska as arctic air settles into the northern Panhandle, bringing brutal wind chills and dangerous exposure risks through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Juneau, an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect for the Municipality of Skagway and the Klondike Highway through midday Sunday. Wind chill values could plunge as low as 50 below zero, creating conditions where frostbite can occur in minutes on exposed skin. Prolonged freezing temperatures also raise concerns for ruptured water pipes and infrastructure strain.
In nearby Haines Borough and Klukwan, a Cold Weather Advisory continues through Saturday night, followed by an Extreme Cold Warning from late Saturday night through Sunday morning. Wind chills in Haines could drop to between 30 and 35 below zero, with the coldest conditions expected at higher elevations along the Haines Highway.
Travelers along White Pass and the Klondike Highway should prepare for extreme cold exposure and vehicle issues, including battery failures and fuel gelling. Outdoor activity is strongly discouraged during the coldest periods.
Residents are urged to wear insulated layers, hats, facemasks, and heavy gloves if venturing outside. Officials also recommend protecting plumbing by wrapping pipes or allowing them to drip slowly.
Dangerous cold is expected to persist into Sunday, with additional cold weather alerts possible if conditions linger or intensify.
