Alaska’s coastal regions will encounter widespread snow and rain showers for Seward Peninsula, Alaska Peninsula, South Central, and the Southeast. This prevailing weather is caused by two Lows pressures south of the Gulf of Alaska. These two systems create winds for the southern portion of the Southeast and the Southwest. Tomorrow one of these Lows will track over the Alaska Peninsula and head straight for South Central causing the Gulf Coastal showers to continue throughout Monday. Additionally, winds will blow over the Southeast and Northwest. By Tuesday, this Low will push its way toward the Southeast continuing showers over the Southeast and Prince William Sound. Elsewhere, rainy weather will clear up for the rest of the state. Winds will continue to blow over the southern portion of the Southeast and over the Seward Peninsula.

 

Winter weather will occur over the southern portion of the state due to the Low tracking towards South Central. This brings rain showers in the afternoon for Juneau and warmer low temperatures of approximately 34 degrees. Colder weather occurs over the Interior with a low of -15 degrees for Prudhoe Bay and -4 degrees for Fairbanks. Mostly cloudy skies prevail throughout the Interior with light snowflakes over Prudhoe Bay and some patchy fog. Winds for the northwest with partly sunny skies over Nome, and Bethel will experience cloudy skies and snow showers. Winds will blow over the Southwest as residents will see warmer temperatures. If you plan on going outside, I suggest wearing a raincoat and grasp it so it won’t blow off because the winds will blow in a mix of rain and snow. Strong winds will be present over Kodiak and the west coast of the Kenai Peninsula until Monday afternoon. Eastern Kenai Peninsula will be windy with snow falling over the region. Expect isolated snow showers for Talkeetna and Glennallen, winds for Palmer and Wasilla, and Willow residents will experience cloudy skies. There will be snow showers over the Prince William Sound with 1-inch of snow accumulation for Valdez.

 

Tonight in the Anchorage Bowl, expect isolated snow showers turning to prevailing snow showers by tomorrow. Expect windy conditions for the Turnagain Arm and higher elevations for tonight and over George Washington’s Birthday tomorrow. These conditions remind me of his Delaware River crossing when on December 25-26, 1776 George Washington and the Continental Army faced treacherous winds, snow, sleet, and rain. Winter weather didn’t stop George Washington on that momentous day during his surprise attack and victory over the Hessian Garrison, Trenton, NJ. Through his victories the moral and spirit of the Revolution rejuvenated. That day and the year following, George Washington displayed the Spirit of the Alaskan people in the last frontier by not allowing winter weather stop him from achieving victory. Let Monday be your memorable day by enjoying the outdoors under snowy conditions. Endure a winter BBQ? Truly, Alaskans understand how to brave a long and cold winter so why not celebrate Monday in memory of President George Washington.

 

For the rest of the week, snow showers will continue into Tuesday then winds will subside. Wednesday will bring light rain and snow showers with decreasing cloud cover. Thursday will display mostly cloudy skies changing to mostly sunny skies until Sunday returning to increased cloud cover. For the week, high temperatures will near the 30s and low temperatures will approach the low 20s and high teens.

Happy Presidents Day! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe weekend followed by an even better Monday.