Thursday, September 30, 2010

Thursday, September 30th

Good morning! We are starting this last day of September in with mostly clear skies and in the mid 20's. Yesterday's high was 38 degrees. Today will be much warmer with highs around 50. The NWS is still calling for temperatures to be much above normal over the next seven days. They are expecting skies to be cloudy with daytime temperatures in the mid 40's to low 50's. Lows will trend in the mid 20's to low 30's.

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 25 degrees
Skies: Fair
RH: 75%
BP: 29.53
Winds: Calm
Sunrise: 7:58 a.m.
Sunset: 7:22 p.m.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Wednesday, September 29th

Warm. That is the word that comes to mind when looking at the NWS's seven day forecast.

Depressing. That is the word that comes to mind if you are one of the people hoping for snow this week.

Unlikely. That is the word that comes to mind in thinking that the warm Chinook will ease up any time soon.

So, in a nutshell, the next seven days should see mostly cloudy skies with temperatures in the upper 40's to mid 50's and lows in the mid 30's. Where did our wonderful Alaskan winter go? I'm sure that it will return, but when?

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 24 degrees
Skies: Cloudy
RH: 51%
BP: 29.55
Sunrise: 7:55 a.m.
Sunset: 7:26 p.m.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tuesday, September 28th

Good morning! Monday gave us abundant sunshine with a high of 34 degrees. We bottomed out at 11 degrees around 7:00 a.m. Today appears to be a little warmer. The NWS is calling for highs between 35 and 40 degrees with sunny skies. Tonight should be clear with lows between 10 and 20 degrees.

After today, the weather pattern seems to be shifting. The NWS believes that there will be some snow lifting north tomorrow from the Alaska Range that can reach as far north as Fairbanks. However, after tomorrow a Chinook wind will bring very warm temperatures into our area. They are thinking that we could have highs of around 45 to 50 degrees by Thursday. That trend could continue into the weekend. That is way above average for the end of September.

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 17 degrees
Skies: Clear
RH: 57%
BP: 29.54 and falling
Winds: 9.3 MPH from the North
Wind Chill: 8 degrees
Sunrise: 7:52 a.m.
Sunset: 7:29 p.m.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Monday, September 27th

Good morning! We had a very chilly weekend here in North Pole. Our highs did not get out of the 30's Saturday or Sunday. Saturday's high was 37 and the low was 18. Sunday's high was 38 and the low was 21. Out at Eielson Air Force Base (15 miles southeast of North Pole), there were reports of snow showers on Sunday!

Today appears to be very similar to the weekend. We should have highs in the mid 30's. However, lows will bottom out tonight to between 5 degrees and 15 degrees. The coldest temperatures will be in the valleys.

The NWS seems to be a bit wishy-washy for the rest of the week. Yesterday, they were forecasting highs in the low 30's with a chance of snow from Wednesday through the weekend. Today, they have upped the temperatures to around 40 with a chance of rain. We will just have to wait and see how it plays out. Personally, I am hoping for snow!

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.

Temperature: 13 degrees
Skies: Partly Cloudy
RH: 73%
Sunrise: 7:49 a.m.
Sunset: 7:33 p.m.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Thank God, It's Friday September 24th!

Good morning! We are starting off on the chilly side this morning. We have temperatures in the mid 20's with scattered clouds. There is a slight change in the forecast for the weekend. Saturday should be sunny with highs around 40. The NWS is suggesting that Sunday could be a little colder than anticipated. We should have mostly cloudy skies with a high around 35. Lows will be averaging between 10 and 20 degrees. Next week should see temperatures in the upper 30's to around 40 degrees. So far, no mention of snow in the forecast. However, that could change and probably will change as we head towards the first of October.

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 23 degrees
Skies: Scattered Clouds
RH: 56%
BP: 29.72 and falling
Winds: 2 MPH out of the North (we have had gusts of 20 MPH)
Sunrise: 7:40 a.m.
Sunset: 7:44 p.m.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Thursday, September 23rd

Good morning! We have another chilly start to our day here in the Interior. Temperatures are hovering in the mid 20's. Skies are clear and the winds are very light. The NWS is calling for highs around 45 today with overnight lows of around 20 degrees. Their thoughts have not changed on the 7 day outlook. We should see mostly sunny skies with highs around 40 and lows in the upper teens and low 20's.

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 26 degrees
Skies: Clear
RH: 59%
Winds: 2.2 MPH from the NE
BP: 29.74 and falling
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m.
Sunset: 7:47 p.m.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Wednesday, September 22nd

Good morning! Well, the change from our Indian Summer to Fall has officially and figuratively happened. While technically, we have a few more hours of summer left, the transition has begun here in the Interior. Temperatures this morning are in the low 30's. While that is not unusual from the last few mornings, our highs today will only be around 40 to 45. This is a far cry from the 60's and 70's we've seen all month. The NWS's 7 day forecast calls for sunny to partly cloudy skies with highs in the low 40's and lows in the teens and low 20's.

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 31 degrees
Skies: Clear
RH: 55%
Wind: 2 MPH from the NE
BP: 29.82
Sunrise: 7:34 a.m.
Sunset: 7:51 p.m.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Tuesday, September 21st



Good morning! I took Monday off from writing and from work! Mike and I spent the weekend moose hunting up near Minto, Alaska. Minto is an Athabascan Indian Village about 140 miles northwest of North Pole. For those of you unfamiliar with the road system here in Alaska, many places are not accessible by road, but only by plane or boat. Well, Minto is one of those places that is accessible by road, if you can call it a road. The road to Minto is a dirt/gravel combination for about the last 50 miles. The ruts in the road are incredibly deep and very bumpy. I must say, part of the fun of this trip was actually getting there and get out of there!

The weather was awesome during our trip. We had lows in the 30's and highs in the 50's. Sunshine was abundant. Unfortunately, the moose were not. We called and we called. However, we did not see the first moose. With that said, it was very nice to sit out in the woods and hear the birds chirping and wind rustling the leaves. The leaves are just getting past their peak, but still beautiful. Also, the moon is almost full and we had some good views of the moon rising.

Okay, enough of my rambling about our trip. The weather pattern is quickly shifting. The ridge that has been bringing an incredibly warm Indian Summer to the Interior is leaving us. This is allowing for much cooler weather to filter in here by tomorrow. Highs will go from the 60's and 70's to the 40's. Wow! Can you say, "Change????" According to the NWS, highs and lows for the next seven days will be in the mid 40's and mid 20's.

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 27 degrees
Skies: Clear
RH: 73%
BP: 29.80 and steady
Sunrise: 7:31 a.m.
Sunset: 7:55 p.m.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Friday, September 17th


TGIF! We have made it through another week and the weekend is upon us! The weather has been very tranquil for the last few weeks and appears to continue to be the trend through the weekend and into early next week. The NWS is calling for mostly clear skies with temperatures in the 60's during the day and the 30's overnight.

I have borrowed this excerpt from the NWS's Forecast Discussion that was posted at 5:00 a.m.:

LEGITIMATELY COLD AIR IS PROGGED TO MOVE SOUTH FROM THE NORTH POLE
AND THEN SLIDE DOWN THE WEST COAST BY THE END OF MID RANGE WITH A
520 LOW SUPPLYING THE ENERGY. THIS IS A CHANGE FROM THE PREVIOUS
MODEL RUN FROM THE GFS. THIS IS ACTUALLY MORE IN LINE WITH THE
ECMWF. THIS OF COURSE REMAINS TO BE SEEN BUT IF THIS DOES PAN OUT
THEN IT WILL BECOME A QUICK TRANSITION FROM INDIAN SUMMER TO FALL.

If this holds true, we could be in for some cooler temperatures at the end of the mid-range forecast. I must say, while I have been enjoying the sun and warm weather, I am ready for some fall-like temps!

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 31 degrees
Skies: Partly Cloudy
RH: 86%
BP: 30.15 and steady
Sunrise: 7:19 a.m.
Sunset: 8:09 p.m.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Thursday, September 16th


Good morning! Wednesday was a gorgeous day in my neck of the woods! We had a high of 65 degrees and plenty of warm rays of sunshine. Today promises to be very similar. The NWS is calling for a high of 65 and partly cloudy skies. The weekend is still looking to be dry, sunny and warm with highs in the low 60's and lows in the upper 20's and low 30's.

The Climate Prediction Center has come out with an update on the short-term and long range outlooks. As you can see from the image above, October looks to be a little on the warm side. However, you can click on the link below to see that in November we should turn colder and actually be below average.



Current Conditions at 7:00 a.m.:

Temperature: 28.4 degrees
Skies: Clear
RH: 85%
BP: 30.18 and rising
Sunrise: 7:16 a.m.
Sunset: 8:13 p.m.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Wednesday, September 15th

Good morning! Tuesday was a wonderful fall day! We had a high of 69 degrees here in North Pole. While we are having chilly mornings, the days are warming up nicely. Today will not be any different than the past few days.

The NWS is calling for a highs between 65 and 70 for today and tomorrow. Lows should range between 30 and 40. The weekend appears to be a nice one. Highs should be around 60 degrees with an abundance of sunshine.

After reading the NWS's forecast discussion, they are predicting that the ridge that has kept us warm and sunny for most of the month, will break down by the end of next week. This should bring more seasonable temperatures to our area. So, get out there and enjoy the sun and warm temperatures while you can!

Current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 27 degrees
Skies: Clear
RH: 85%
BP: 30.16 and steady
Sunrise: 7:13 a.m.
Sunset: 8:17 p.m.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Tuesday, September 14th

Good morning! Monday was an incredible day here in the Interior. We had a high of 68 degrees with plenty of sunshine! This is so unusual for the middle of September. The NWS is still calling for warm temperatures throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend. We should have sunny skies with highs between 60 and 70 and lows between 30 and 40.

Tonight, Mike and I meet with the NWS in Fairbanks to get snow measuring equipment for the winter. This should be a lot of fun and very interesting. I will be posting for on this tomorrow.

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 27 degrees
Skies: Clear
RH: 84%
BP: 30.23 and rising
Sunrise: 7:10 a.m.
Sunset: 8:20 p.m.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Monday, September 13th

Good morning! It was an incredibly beautiful weekend! We had sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 60's both days. This is quite unheard in September. However, we took advantage of the weather and headed out for a day of moose hunting. While we never even saw a moose, we did enjoy the sunshine and the endless trails of bear scat.

This week looks to be rather tranquil and warm. The NWS is calling for sunny skies throughout the 7-day forecast. Temperatures should be between 65 and 70 during the day and between 30 and 40 overnight.

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 28 degrees
Skies: Clear
RH: 85%
BP: 30.25 and steady
Sunrise: 7:07 a.m.
Sunset: 8:24 p.m.

The coldest temperature I can find this morning is in my backyard at 28 degrees.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Friday, September 10th

Good morning! We are starting off with a little fog this morning, but it promises to be out of here by mid morning so that we can see the sun. I absolutely love this time of year. The leaves are all at their peak color. In fact, as I was driving home yesterday, the wind was blowing and the leaves were raining down upon the road. What a beautiful sight!

Last evening, as I was watching the news, our local meteorologist told an interesting weather story. Apparently, back in 1992 on this very date, Fairbanks experienced on the of the most odd weather days. The temperature dropped to 7 above zero and it snowed 26 inches! Wow, September 10th, 7 degrees and 26 inches of snow! That is very early in the fall to have that kind of weather! I am pleased to say that this type of weather does not appear to be in our near future.

The NWS is still calling for sunny skies through the weekend with highs between 60 and 65. This is rather warm for September and is definitely above average. Lows will range in the upper 30's and low 40's. So, everyone get out there and enjoy the sun!

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Skies: A little foggy
Temperature: 40 degrees
RH: 88%
BP: 29.92 and rising
Sunrise: 6:58 a.m.
Sunset: 8:35 p.m.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Thursday, September 9th

Good morning! Thursday appears to be another wet and soggy day. The NWS is calling for a 50% chance of rain and highs in the upper 50's. Friday looks much better with clearing skies and highs between 60 and 65. The weekend appears to be a very nice one. Both Saturday and Sunday should be sunny with highs in the low to mid 60's.

Current Conditions at 7:00 p.m.:

Temperature: 49.5 degrees
Skies: Cloudy with showers
RH: 93%
DP: 47.3
BP: 29.75 and steady
Sunrise: 6:55 a.m.
Sunset: 8:35 p.m.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Rainy Wednesday, September 8th

Good soggy morning to you. The rain has set in and it looks to be a rather wet day here in the Interior. Almost an inch of rain has fallen at Fairbanks International Airport. Rain should taper off to scattered showers later this morning. Highs should be between 55 and 60 today.

Looking at the very short term forecast, rain should continue through Thursday evening. However, just in time for Friday, the skies will clear and turn warmer with highs in the low 60's. The sunny skies should stick around through Monday, September 13th. Not too bad for the middle of September in Alaska!

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 50 degrees
Skies: Clouds and Rain
RH: 92%
DP: 48.2
BP: 29.82 and steady
Sunrise: 6:52 a.m.
Sunset: 8:42 p.m.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Red Sky on Tuesday, September 7th




Good morning! Labor Day was an absolutely gorgeous day here in North Pole. We started the morning with fog and clouds, but by the middle of the afternoon, the sun broke through and we had temperatures in the upper 60's! We certainly won't have many more days like these. So, I counted my blessings and soaked up the sunshine and warmth!

This morning find temperatures very mild in the upper 40's. The sky is a beautiful red as the sun is rising. The National Weather Service is still calling for warm days and cool nights throughout the seven day forecast. Highs should average around 60-65 degrees with the evenings around 40 degrees. However, the skies should turn cloudy with a chance of rain showers throughout the 7 day. Not too bad for September!

Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 49 degrees
Skies: Partly Cloudy
RH: 78%
DP: 45
BP: 29.79 and falling
Sunrise: 6:49 a.m.
Sunset: 8:46 p.m.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day! The fall colors are almost at peak here in the Interior. Mike and I took a drive down to Denali National Park on Saturday to enjoy the foliage. The weather was rather drab. The temperature was around 55 degrees with showers. However, it did not hamper our fun!

Current Conditions at 8:00 a.m.:

Temperature: 49 degrees
Skies: Cloudy
RH: 91%
DP: 46
BP: 30.06
Sunrise: 6:46 a.m.
Sunset: 8:50 p.m.





























Friday, September 3, 2010

Friday, September 3rd


Good morning! Thursday was a beautiful and mild fall day here in North Pole! We had a high of 65 degrees with mostly sunny skies. Today should be pretty close to the same. With the cool nights and the warm days, the leaves are starting to turn a very pretty yellow and the ground cover a lovely red. Mike and I hope to drive down to Denali tomorrow morning and spend the day photographing the fall foliage, if I am feeling better. If that happens, I will definitely post pictures!

Since it is moose hunting season, here are some interesting facts about moose:

1. Moose are herbivores.

2. The average life span of a moose is 15 to 20 years (unless a hunter finds it first).

3. The height of a moose can range from 5 feet to 7 feet.

4. The weight of a moose can vary from 1000 pounds up to 1800 pounds. That's a lot of meat in the freezer!

5. Rutting season starts the middle of September.

6. Cows give birth to one or two calves. Each calf can weigh 30 pounds at birth.

7. A bull's antlers can get as big as 6 feet in width!


Current conditions at 6:3o a.m.:

Temperature: 32 degrees
Skies: Foggy
RH: 90%
BP: 29.92
Sunrise: 6:37 a.m.
Sunset: 9:01 p.m.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Thursday, September 2nd

Good morning! It's a cool start to the morning here. We have clear skies which has allowed us to cool off rather quickly this morning. The NWS is still predicting a rather mild weather pattern for the next seven days. They are calling for highs in the mid 60's and lows in the 30's. Honestly, that is incredible for September. We typically have our first snow sometime in the month of September. We will just have to wait and see how it plays out this month.

As I mentioned yesterday, moose hunting season has opened. I wanted to give you some information on hunting moose in Alaska, in case you ever decide to make your way up here for the relatively short season.
  1. You have to be at least one-half mile from the road to shoot a moose.
  2. You cannot hunt on the same day you fly in.
  3. Only one moose per person and you must have a tag for it.
  4. Only bulls may be hunted, unless you have drawn a special cow tag.
  5. It is illegal to feed alcoholic beverages to moose. (I'm not sure why you would even do this. If you are close enough to a moose to give it alcohol, you're close enough to shoot and kill it)

Current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:

Temperature: 30 degrees

Skies: Clear

DP: 29

RH: 91%

BP: 29.82

Sunrise: 6:34 a.m.

Sunset: 9:05 p.m.

The coldest temperature I can find this morning is here in North Pole at 30 degrees. Anatuvuk Pass is also 30 degrees.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Wednesday, September 1st

Wow! Is September really here? I cannot believe it! I am home from work, again. I have no voice. So, teaching is out of the question for today. As I am typing (8:47 a.m.), I am looking out the big picture window and watching leaves fall from the trees. Early September is such a beautiful time here in Alaska. Seasons are changing!

Also, moose season opened up today. Hunters all over the state will be out trying to bag a big moose to fill their freezers for the winter. For most of the state, the season only lasts about two weeks. So, if you're going to get one, you better get started NOW!

Current Conditions at 8:50 a.m.:

Temperature: 43 degrees
Skies: Mostly Clear
DP: 41
BP: 29.74
Sunrise: 6:31 a.m.
Sunset: 9:08 p.m.