Bethel, Alaska – Brutal Arctic cold is tightening its grip across Southwest Alaska, creating life-threatening conditions for anyone outdoors as dangerously low wind chills settle in and persist through late week.
According to the National Weather Service in Anchorage, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday for the Kuskokwim Delta, Bristol Bay region, Northern and Southern Alaska Peninsula, and surrounding interior communities. Wind chills across much of the region are plunging between 40 and 55 degrees below zero, with slightly less extreme but still hazardous values of 10 to 25 below along parts of the Southern Alaska Peninsula, including Chignik.
Communities such as Bethel, Dillingham, King Salmon, Naknek, Togiak, Aniak, and Lime Village are facing the most severe cold, where exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as five minutes. Persistent northerly winds combined with falling temperatures are worsening conditions, especially for anyone traveling, working outdoors, or dealing with mechanical issues.
Officials urge residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, wear insulated layers with hats and gloves, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. Travelers should prepare for cold-related breakdowns and reduced response times in remote areas.
The prolonged cold pattern is expected to continue through midweek before gradual improvement arrives Thursday. Additional cold weather advisories could be extended or expanded if dangerously low wind chills persist longer than expected.
