Fairbanks, Alaska – Winter is making an early entrance in the U.S., as northern Alaska braces for snow and freezing rain while much of the country is still holding onto summer. A Winter Weather Advisory takes effect late Tuesday night and lasts through Thursday morning, bringing conditions more typical of October than late August.
According to the National Weather Service in Fairbanks, several inches of snow are possible north of the Brooks Range, with up to 2 inches expected in some areas. Freezing rain could coat roadways with ice across the Brooks Range and along the Dalton Highway, creating dangerous travel conditions from Atigun Pass to Prudhoe Bay.
Communities including Nuiqsut, Anaktuvuk Pass, Kuparuk, and Deadhorse could see slick roads, limited visibility, and slow-moving traffic. Truckers hauling supplies to the North Slope may face delays, while local drivers are urged to use extreme caution. Temperatures are forecast to hover around 32 degrees both Tuesday night and Wednesday night, setting the stage for icy conditions despite the late summer calendar.
Forecasters note that snow in August is not unusual this far north, but the arrival of winter-like weather before September underscores how quickly conditions change in Alaska’s Arctic.
The Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through 7 a.m. Thursday, and additional warnings could be issued if precipitation intensifies.
