Alaska could see all-time temperature record today in “unbelievable” heat wave – “It’s not just the magnitude of the heat, it’s how long it will last”
By John Bacon
4 July 2019
(USA TODAY) – Alaska’s biggest city won’t be marking the nation’s 243rd birthday with fireworks displays as Anchorage struggles with dry conditions, wildfires and what could become the hottest day on record.
The city’s all-time high temperature record of 85 degrees dates back 50 years. It could fall today, with a high of 86 degrees forecast by the National Weather Service. If a record is set, it might not last long – Friday’s high was forecast for 87 degrees.
“Due to the extreme dry weather conditions in the Anchorage, Eagle River and surrounding areas, all fireworks shows have been canceled,” the Anchorage Fire Department announced.
The heat was exacerbating dry conditions as temperatures in many areas were 20 degrees or more above average.
“Record-breaking temperatures are forecast across Alaska through this weekend as a strong upper level ridge parks over the state,” the weather service said. [more]
Alaska heat wave: Coldest state could see all-time record today
“Unbelievable:” All-time record heat set to bake Alaska
By Doyle Rice
3 July 2019
(USA TODAY) – Think Alaska is always cold and snowy? Think again.
Most of the nation’s biggest state is forecast to bake under record-breaking heat over the next few days, with Anchorage poised to reach its hottest temperature ever recorded.
“We could match or break the all-time high temperature record for Anchorage International Airport, which is 85 degrees set on 14 June 1969,” on Friday, the National Weather Service said.
In general, high temperatures across the state will be as much as 20 degrees above normal for early July, according to AccuWeather. […]
Anchorage-based climatologist Brian Brettschneider called the forecast high temperatures in the Anchorage area “unbelievable.” […]
Weather Channel meteorologist Jon Erdman said that “it’s not just the magnitude of the heat, it’s how long it will last. Our forecast suggests highs may top out in the 80s in Anchorage for six straight days into early next week, before the heat slowly eases a bit later next week.” [more]
