Fairbanks, AK – The National Weather Service in Fairbanks is warning residents across Interior and Northern Alaska to prepare for an intense blast of Arctic air later this week, with temperatures expected to plunge well below zero following the departure of the current winter storm.
As snow winds down by Wednesday, a strong high-pressure system will pull frigid Arctic air southward, dropping temperatures dramatically between Wednesday and Friday. Forecasts show average minimums near -10°F to -20°F across much of the Interior, with the coldest readings likely in areas such as Fort Yukon, Bettles, and Fairbanks.
According to the NWS, the temperature plunge will mark one of the coldest starts to December in recent years, and the deep freeze may linger through much of next week. Areas north of the Yukon River and along the Brooks Range foothills could see even colder wind chills approaching -30°F or lower.
Residents are urged to prepare for prolonged cold conditions, ensure vehicles and heating systems are winter-ready, and take precautions for outdoor pets and livestock. Even light winds could produce dangerously low wind chills, posing a risk of frostbite or hypothermia within minutes of exposure.
The NWS advises monitoring weather.gov/fairbanks and local alerts for continued updates as the cold air strengthens across Alaska.
