Southcentral Alaska Weather Outlook

Following a period of sunny, dry weather, Southcentral Alaska is bracing for a change as cloud cover builds mid-week. While the region has been recovering from a deep freeze, Anchorage is set to conclude March as the coldest on record. Afternoon temperatures are currently trending toward or above freezing, with some areas reaching into the 40s.

By the weekend, Southcentral residents can expect a chance of light snow showers. While the region remains mostly dry through mid-week, Kodiak may experience a rain and snow mix between Wednesday night and Thursday.

Southeast Alaska Snow Records

The Southeast region is currently experiencing its snowiest season on record, with Juneau reporting over 100 inches of accumulation above seasonal averages. After a brief period of dry, sunny weather through Thursday morning, a low-pressure system moving into the Gulf of Alaska will bring increased precipitation to the area by Thursday evening.

Interior and Western Alaska Forecast

Temperatures in the Interior are steadily rising, though the airport has yet to reach the 33-degree mark. Highs are expected to remain in the 20s and 30s throughout the week. Meanwhile, Western Alaska will remain largely dry and sunny, though Norton Sound and the Western Interior may see one to three inches of light snow accumulation.

Gusty winds are expected to impact Western Alaska, specifically the Bering Sea, Bering Strait Coastline, Norton Sound, and the Yukon Delta, as the pressure gradient tightens after Wednesday.

Additional Regional Updates

  • The Slope: Light snow showers are expected through mid-week, with accumulations staying under two inches and temperatures remaining in the single digits and teens.
  • Aleutians: A low-pressure system will bring a wintry mix and mild temperatures in the 30s, with increased activity and winds expected by the weekend.
  • Avalanche Safety: Turnagain Pass currently faces moderate danger at all elevations, with a risk of human-triggered avalanches due to a weak buried layer.

Looking Ahead to April

As the state transitions into April, weather patterns are expected to become more seasonal. While March remained below average, April is historically the driest month of the year for Alaska, and the current dry trend is expected to persist.