Anchorage, Alaska – A colder late-winter pattern is expected to strengthen across Alaska heading into early March, increasing the probability of below-average temperatures and a greater opportunity for snow during the Feb. 28 through Mar. 13 timeframe.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, large portions of mainland Alaska carry a 40% to 50% probability of below-normal temperatures in the Week 3-4 outlook. The colder signal spans the Glenn Highway (AK-1) through Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, north along the Parks Highway (AK-3) toward Fairbanks, and east along the Richardson Highway (AK-2) into Interior communities.
This extended-range guidance favors a more persistent trough pattern over mainland Alaska, allowing colder air masses to dominate more frequently compared to late-February averages. That setup increases the likelihood of sustained sub-zero periods in the Interior and reinforces snow potential across Southcentral and Interior regions.
Precipitation probabilities lean near to slightly above normal across parts of southern and central Alaska. When combined with colder air, that raises the potential for accumulating snowfall along key corridors including AK-1, AK-3 and coastal routes near the Kenai Peninsula.
Communities from Anchorage and Wasilla to Fairbanks and Delta Junction fall within this colder signal. The Week 3-4 outlook reflects large-scale atmospheric trends rather than specific storm timing.
Additional refinements are expected as the late-February to mid-March window approaches and shorter-range guidance provides greater clarity on individual systems.
