Anchorage, AK — After a stretch of relatively calm and sunny conditions, much of Alaska is bracing for a renewed wave of wet and breezy weather, especially across the Southeast and Panhandle. Meanwhile, Southcentral continues to enjoy a mild spell, and Interior Alaska is poised for a weekend warm-up after a week dominated by rain.
Southcentral: Warmth Holds, But Rain Looms
Southcentral Alaska is experiencing mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures in many areas climbing into the upper 60s to low 70s, particularly across western Southcentral. The Copper River Basin and eastern Prince William Sound saw widespread rainfall early Wednesday, though most of the valley remained dry.
Seward has stood out as one of the warmer locations this week, with highs reaching the upper 70s on Tuesday, and similar conditions are expected today. However, this dry spell is expected to end Friday, as a low-pressure system over the Bering Sea drops into the Gulf of Alaska, bringing widespread rain and breezy conditions. Daytime temperatures could drop by nearly 10 degrees in some areas as clouds and rain return.
Southeast: Rain and Cloud Cover Replace Summer Sunshine
The sunny, summerlike conditions in Southeast Alaska have given way to a wetter and cloudier pattern. Scattered showers are forecast to linger through the end of the week, with the Northern Panhandle seeing the heaviest rainfall. Southern areas will experience passing light showers, accumulating only minimal rainfall.
As the week ends, another low pressure system entering the Gulf is expected to bring more widespread rain and strong winds, particularly across coastal communities. Temperatures will stay on the cooler side, hovering in the low to mid-60s.
Interior: Rain Persists, But Warmer Weekend Ahead
The Interior continues to be locked in a wet weather pattern, with heaviest rainfall focused on the Eastern Interior, the Alaska Range, and areas near the AlCan border. Fairbanks and surrounding areas will continue to experience isolated to scattered showers.
By Thursday, the Western Interior will also see more widespread rain as the next low system tracks southward. However, forecasters expect a shift by the weekend, with the potential for highs climbing back into the 70s or even low 80s, offering a welcome break from the persistent dampness.
Western Alaska and Slope: Heavier Rain Moving In, Drier by Weekend
In Western Alaska, light showers have been ongoing for much of the week. However, a band of heavier rain is expected to arrive from the Bering Sea by late Wednesday into Thursday. The Yukon Delta and coastal areas south of the Seward Peninsula are expected to see the heaviest totals.
The North Slope remains relatively quiet with intermittent fog and occasional rain, though isolated thunderstorms may develop through the Brooks Range, particularly near Anaktuvuk Pass.
Conditions will begin to improve by week’s end, with a return to sunshine and warmer temperatures likely for much of the region.
Outlook Ahead: Warmer Days on the Horizon
Looking into next week, a new ridge building in from the Aleutians and Bering Sea will gradually bring warmer, drier weather to much of Alaska. Western regions are expected to rebound into the 60s, while parts of the Interior may flirt with 80°F again.
Despite this, Southcentral and Southeast will remain prone to scattered showers, with intermittent rain likely through early next week.
Residents across Alaska are advised to prepare for changing conditions, especially in flood-prone areas, and to stay updated on local forecasts as multiple systems move through the state.
