Wow! I can't believe tomorrow is April 1st! March has flown by so quickly. It has definitely been a transition month in terms of weather. We started off the month will seasonably cold temperatures. Most of the first week of the month was well below zero. We even had a couple of days that was 20 t0 30 below zero. However, after the 15th of March (Ooooo, the Ides of March), we started our unseasonably early warming trend.
Today promises to be another beautiful one! With highs between 40 and 45, we are sure to see more melting. Typically, this warm weather doesn't start until the middle of April. We are about a month ahead of schedule. I'm certainly not complaining, as it is very welcomed by all!
Current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Clear
Temperture: 4
RH: 83%
BP: 29.55 and rising
Sunset: 7:10 a.m.
Sunrise: 8:41 p.m.
Conditions from around the state:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Overcast and 19
Anchorage: Partly Cloudy and 27
Barrow: Fog/Mist and -9
Bethel: A few clouds and -4
Bettles: Light Snow/Fog and 12
Chicken: Overcast and 23
Cold Bay: Light Snow and 32 (Blizzard Warning with strong winds and heavy snow)
Denali National Park: Mostly Cloudy and 12
Ft. Yukon: No report
Juneau: Overcast and 39
King Salmon: Fair and 8
Kotzubue: Fair and -17
McGrath: Light Snow and 10
Nome: Fair and -12
St. Paul Island: Snow/Blowing Snow and 14 (Blizzard Warning with heaving snow and high winds)
Valdez: Overcast and 32
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Spring Fever!
Spring is definitely upon us here in the Interior. Yesterday's high of 46 dgrees kept the snow melting. This morning's low of 9 has refrozen all that water. However, with the promise of being in the mid 40's today, we can look forward to another beautiful spring day.
Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 10
RH: 83%
BP: 29.16 and rising
Sunrise: 7:14 a.m.
Sunset: 8:38 p.m.
This Saturday, we are heading down to Denali National Park. We want to enjoy one last snowshoe hike before all the snow is gone. I will make sure to post pictures of our adventure!
Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 10
RH: 83%
BP: 29.16 and rising
Sunrise: 7:14 a.m.
Sunset: 8:38 p.m.
This Saturday, we are heading down to Denali National Park. We want to enjoy one last snowshoe hike before all the snow is gone. I will make sure to post pictures of our adventure!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Warm Weather Means Melting!
This weekend has been the warmest weekend since last September! With bright sunshine, temperatures rose into the upper 40's. Today's high was 49 degrees. That is one degree shy of 50! Do you have any idea how exciting this is?
All of the snow has melted off of our back deck. I can even see three small patches of grass in our lawn. If this weather holds, the snow will be gone by the middle of April!
Since it is so warm, Mike and I put on our exercise clothes and decided to take a long walk. No coat, no mittens, no scarf, and no hat! While we may still have a cold snap and maybe even a snow flake or two, this warm weather has given hope to many Alaskans!
Current Conditions at 7:00 p.m.:
Skies: Mostly Cloudy
Temperature: 42 (ABOVE ZERO!)
RH: 50%
BP: 28.81 and steady
Sunrise: 7:18 a.m.
Sunset: 8:35 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 7:00 p.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Overcast and -11
Anchorage: Mostly Cloudy and 40
Barrow: Overcast and -1
Bethel: Partly Cloudy and 7 (Wind Chill Advisory: 35 to 45 below zero)
Bettles: Mostly Cloudy and 29
Chicken: Partly Cloudy and 48
Cold Bay: Light Snow and 18 (1" of accumulation expected)
Denali National Park: Overcast and 39
Ft. Yukon: Overcast and 32
Juneau: Light Rain and 43
King Salmon: Overcast and 34
Kotzubue: Fair and 1
McGrath: Mostly Cloudy and 31
Nome: Fair and 2
St. Paul Island: Light Snow and 6
Valdez: Overcast and 36
All of the snow has melted off of our back deck. I can even see three small patches of grass in our lawn. If this weather holds, the snow will be gone by the middle of April!
Since it is so warm, Mike and I put on our exercise clothes and decided to take a long walk. No coat, no mittens, no scarf, and no hat! While we may still have a cold snap and maybe even a snow flake or two, this warm weather has given hope to many Alaskans!
Current Conditions at 7:00 p.m.:
Skies: Mostly Cloudy
Temperature: 42 (ABOVE ZERO!)
RH: 50%
BP: 28.81 and steady
Sunrise: 7:18 a.m.
Sunset: 8:35 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 7:00 p.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Overcast and -11
Anchorage: Mostly Cloudy and 40
Barrow: Overcast and -1
Bethel: Partly Cloudy and 7 (Wind Chill Advisory: 35 to 45 below zero)
Bettles: Mostly Cloudy and 29
Chicken: Partly Cloudy and 48
Cold Bay: Light Snow and 18 (1" of accumulation expected)
Denali National Park: Overcast and 39
Ft. Yukon: Overcast and 32
Juneau: Light Rain and 43
King Salmon: Overcast and 34
Kotzubue: Fair and 1
McGrath: Mostly Cloudy and 31
Nome: Fair and 2
St. Paul Island: Light Snow and 6
Valdez: Overcast and 36
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Good morning! Yesterday was a wonderful day here in North Pole. The weather was absolutely perfect! As you may know, I teach elementary school. On Friday's, I have recess duty. I have to say, most days I dread it. Since we don't cancel recess until the temperature is 20 below zero, there are many days that are just so cold, it hurts!
Well, yesterday was awesome! By the time I headed out to recess it was 18 degrees. The kids were running around in short sleeves and had a great time. Many people have a hard time understanding the concept of not having on heavy winter gear when it's 18 degrees. However, after experiencing months on end of below zero temps, 18 degrees suddenly feels like 60 degrees!
Today promises to be even warmer. With highs between 30 and 40 degrees above zero, the snow will be melting. Clouds will be on the increase, but when it's this warm, who cares?
Current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 9
RH: 68%
BP: 29.07 and falling
Sunrise: 7:25 a.m.
Sunset: 8:29 p.m.
Well, yesterday was awesome! By the time I headed out to recess it was 18 degrees. The kids were running around in short sleeves and had a great time. Many people have a hard time understanding the concept of not having on heavy winter gear when it's 18 degrees. However, after experiencing months on end of below zero temps, 18 degrees suddenly feels like 60 degrees!
Today promises to be even warmer. With highs between 30 and 40 degrees above zero, the snow will be melting. Clouds will be on the increase, but when it's this warm, who cares?
Current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 9
RH: 68%
BP: 29.07 and falling
Sunrise: 7:25 a.m.
Sunset: 8:29 p.m.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Chilly Friday Morning
Good morning! The weather here in the Interior continues to be rather tranquil. While we haven't had any more 30 degree plus days since early in the week, the sun has been shining and snow has been melting. April is usually considered "break-up" month. So, we are right on track in terms of snow melting and the ice thawing on the rivers. Today's high is expected to be in the mid 20's. Our low this morning was 5 degrees.
Current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Mostly Cloudy
Temperature: 5
RH: 58%
BP: 29.74 and falling
Sunrise: 7:29 a.m.
Sunset: 8:26 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 6:30 a.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Mostly Cloudy and -8
Anchorage: A few clouds and 25
Barrow: Light Snow/Fog/Mist and -1
Bethel: A few clouds and 13
Bettles: Fair and -5
Chicken: Fair and -26
Cold Bay: Fog/Mist and 30
Denali National Park: Fair and -4
Ft. Yukon: Fair and -17
Juneau: Overcast and 31
King Salmon: Partly Cloudy and 30
Kotzubue: Fair and 5
McGrath: Fair and -6
Nome: Fair and 13
St. Paul Island: Overcast and 27
Valdez: Fair and 27
Current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Mostly Cloudy
Temperature: 5
RH: 58%
BP: 29.74 and falling
Sunrise: 7:29 a.m.
Sunset: 8:26 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 6:30 a.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Mostly Cloudy and -8
Anchorage: A few clouds and 25
Barrow: Light Snow/Fog/Mist and -1
Bethel: A few clouds and 13
Bettles: Fair and -5
Chicken: Fair and -26
Cold Bay: Fog/Mist and 30
Denali National Park: Fair and -4
Ft. Yukon: Fair and -17
Juneau: Overcast and 31
King Salmon: Partly Cloudy and 30
Kotzubue: Fair and 5
McGrath: Fair and -6
Nome: Fair and 13
St. Paul Island: Overcast and 27
Valdez: Fair and 27
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday was a beautiful day. While the NWS called for cloudy skies and flurries, it turned out to be bright sunshine and very breezy winds. The high on Wednesday was 27 and the low this morning was 4.
Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m..:
Skies: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 6
RH: 66%
BP: 29.80 and steady
Sunrise: 7:32 a.m.
Sunset: 8:23 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 6:30 a.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and -11
Anchorage: Overcast and 28
Barrow: Partly Cloudy and -2
Bethel: Overcast and 18
Bettles: Fair and 12
Chicken: Overcast and -12
Cold Bay: A few clouds and 30
Denali National Park: Fair and -2
Ft. Yukon: No report
Juneau: Freezing Fog and 31
King Salmon: Mostly Cloudy and 30
Kotzubue: Fair and 9
McGrath: Mostly Cloudy and 4
Nome: Fair and 16
St. Paul Island: Light Snow/Fog/Mist and 22
Valdez: Mostly Cloudy and 28
Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m..:
Skies: Partly Cloudy
Temperature: 6
RH: 66%
BP: 29.80 and steady
Sunrise: 7:32 a.m.
Sunset: 8:23 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 6:30 a.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and -11
Anchorage: Overcast and 28
Barrow: Partly Cloudy and -2
Bethel: Overcast and 18
Bettles: Fair and 12
Chicken: Overcast and -12
Cold Bay: A few clouds and 30
Denali National Park: Fair and -2
Ft. Yukon: No report
Juneau: Freezing Fog and 31
King Salmon: Mostly Cloudy and 30
Kotzubue: Fair and 9
McGrath: Mostly Cloudy and 4
Nome: Fair and 16
St. Paul Island: Light Snow/Fog/Mist and 22
Valdez: Mostly Cloudy and 28
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Clouds, Flurries, and Wind! Oh, My!
Yesterday we were having windy conditions throughout the day which appeared to increase in the late afternoon. Unfortunately, we have not yet set up our annenometer and it's still a bit chilly outside to get up on the roof, so I don't have accurate wind speed or wind chill information.
What was interesting about the wind at this time of year is how it affects the birch trees. I was noticing large white flakes floating through the air and was concerned that they may be ashes from a fire. It turns out, the wind is blowing the paper thin bark that peels off the birch trees into the air! I'm not sure what this natural phenonmenon does for the trees. Does it make them heartier to better withstand the cold temperatures? Is it necessary for their growth? Is it meaningless? Maybe we'll find out some day soon. If you know, please comment.
High: 25
Low: 7
Current Conditions at 6:00 a.m. in North Pole, AK:
Skies: Cloudy
Temperature: 12
RH: 54%
BP: 29.71 and falling
Sunrise: 7:36 a.m.
Sunset: 8:20 p.m.
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and -15
Anchorage: Partly Cloudy and 28
Barrow: Fair and -8
Bethel: Overcast and 14
Bettles: Partly Cloudy and 14
Chicken: Overcast and 2
Cold Bay: Light snow/fog/mist and 31 (Winds: SE @ 22)
Denali National Park: Partly Cloudy and 7
Ft. Yukon: No Report
Juneau: Light Rain and 42 (Winds: ESE @ 22)
King Salmon: Overcast and 23
Kotzubue: Fair and 2
McGrath: Partly Cloudy and -5
Nome: Fair and 13
St. Paul Island: Overcast and 14
Valdez: Overcast and 28
What was interesting about the wind at this time of year is how it affects the birch trees. I was noticing large white flakes floating through the air and was concerned that they may be ashes from a fire. It turns out, the wind is blowing the paper thin bark that peels off the birch trees into the air! I'm not sure what this natural phenonmenon does for the trees. Does it make them heartier to better withstand the cold temperatures? Is it necessary for their growth? Is it meaningless? Maybe we'll find out some day soon. If you know, please comment.
High: 25
Low: 7
Current Conditions at 6:00 a.m. in North Pole, AK:
Skies: Cloudy
Temperature: 12
RH: 54%
BP: 29.71 and falling
Sunrise: 7:36 a.m.
Sunset: 8:20 p.m.
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and -15
Anchorage: Partly Cloudy and 28
Barrow: Fair and -8
Bethel: Overcast and 14
Bettles: Partly Cloudy and 14
Chicken: Overcast and 2
Cold Bay: Light snow/fog/mist and 31 (Winds: SE @ 22)
Denali National Park: Partly Cloudy and 7
Ft. Yukon: No Report
Juneau: Light Rain and 42 (Winds: ESE @ 22)
King Salmon: Overcast and 23
Kotzubue: Fair and 2
McGrath: Partly Cloudy and -5
Nome: Fair and 13
St. Paul Island: Overcast and 14
Valdez: Overcast and 28
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wind Advisory
Good morning! Not much change in temperatures here in the Interior. Yesterday's high was 25 and the low was 6. There has been a minor change in the forecast from the National Weather Service. They are now calling for flurries this evening and a good chance of snow for Wednesday and Wednesday night. We'll have to wait and see. These things can change at the last minute.
There is a Wind Advisory in effect until 6:00 a.m. Wednesday. Gust of 35 miles per hour or stronger can be expected. This will make our high of 15 today feel rather chilly!
Current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Fair
Temperature: 8
RH: 51%
BP: 30.07 and steady
Sunrise: 7:40 a.m.
Sunset: 8:17 p.m.
Last night, I turned off the light to go to bed at 9:20. With the blinds on the window closed, I could still see hints of daylight. As the sun sets later and later, it makes it harder and harder to go to sleep. By the end of April, the sun will be setting around 10:30. By June, we will have 24 hours of daylight!
Conditions from around the state:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and -17
Anchorage: Mostly Cloudy and 27
Barrow: Fair and -16
Bethel: Fair and 2
Bettles: Fair and 0
Chicken: Fair and -25
Cold Bay: Overcast and 20
Denali National Park: Fair and -9
Ft. Yukon: No report
Juneau: Light snow/fog/mist and 32
King Salmon: Overcast and 27
Kotzubue: Fair and 2
McGrath: Fair and 7
Nome: Fair and 15
St. Paul Island: Overcast and 17
Valdez: Partly Cloudy and 30
There is a Wind Advisory in effect until 6:00 a.m. Wednesday. Gust of 35 miles per hour or stronger can be expected. This will make our high of 15 today feel rather chilly!
Current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Fair
Temperature: 8
RH: 51%
BP: 30.07 and steady
Sunrise: 7:40 a.m.
Sunset: 8:17 p.m.
Last night, I turned off the light to go to bed at 9:20. With the blinds on the window closed, I could still see hints of daylight. As the sun sets later and later, it makes it harder and harder to go to sleep. By the end of April, the sun will be setting around 10:30. By June, we will have 24 hours of daylight!
Conditions from around the state:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and -17
Anchorage: Mostly Cloudy and 27
Barrow: Fair and -16
Bethel: Fair and 2
Bettles: Fair and 0
Chicken: Fair and -25
Cold Bay: Overcast and 20
Denali National Park: Fair and -9
Ft. Yukon: No report
Juneau: Light snow/fog/mist and 32
King Salmon: Overcast and 27
Kotzubue: Fair and 2
McGrath: Fair and 7
Nome: Fair and 15
St. Paul Island: Overcast and 17
Valdez: Partly Cloudy and 30
Monday, March 22, 2010
Good morning! This week looks to be rather tranquil here in the Interior. The National Weather Service calls for mostly clear skies, highs between 25 and 35, and lows between 0 and 5 above for the next seven days. I certainly seems like Spring is upon us!
Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Clear
Temperature: 7
RH: 48%
BP: 30.08 and rising
Sunrise: 7:43 a.m.
Sunset: 8:14 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 6:30 a.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and 1
Anchorage: Overcast and 28
Barrow: Partly Cloudy and -9
Bethel: A few clouds and 6
Bettles: Fair and -8
Chicken: Partly Cloudy and -26
Cold Bay: Overcast and 24
Denali National Park: No Report
Ft. Yukon: Clear and -4
Juneau: Overcast and 31 (A chance of snow later today. Up to 2 inches)
King Salmon: Mostly Cloudy and 18
Kotzubue: Fair and 4
McGrath: Fair and -11
Nome: Fair and 3
St. Paul Island: Overcast and 21
Valdez: Overcast and 30
It's amazing to see the temperature ranges across the state, from as low as -26 in Chicken in the interior, to as warm as 31 in Juneau in the panhandle. A 57 degree difference and over 500 miles apart!
This weekend was so warm in North Pole and Fairbanks (between 25 and 45 above) that much of our snow is beginning to melt! It is warm enough that a few hearty Alaskans were wearing shorts this weekend!
Current Conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Clear
Temperature: 7
RH: 48%
BP: 30.08 and rising
Sunrise: 7:43 a.m.
Sunset: 8:14 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 6:30 a.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and 1
Anchorage: Overcast and 28
Barrow: Partly Cloudy and -9
Bethel: A few clouds and 6
Bettles: Fair and -8
Chicken: Partly Cloudy and -26
Cold Bay: Overcast and 24
Denali National Park: No Report
Ft. Yukon: Clear and -4
Juneau: Overcast and 31 (A chance of snow later today. Up to 2 inches)
King Salmon: Mostly Cloudy and 18
Kotzubue: Fair and 4
McGrath: Fair and -11
Nome: Fair and 3
St. Paul Island: Overcast and 21
Valdez: Overcast and 30
It's amazing to see the temperature ranges across the state, from as low as -26 in Chicken in the interior, to as warm as 31 in Juneau in the panhandle. A 57 degree difference and over 500 miles apart!
This weekend was so warm in North Pole and Fairbanks (between 25 and 45 above) that much of our snow is beginning to melt! It is warm enough that a few hearty Alaskans were wearing shorts this weekend!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Warm Saturday
As you can see from the post below, it was a beautiful Saturday (March 20th) filled with sunshine.
High: 41
Low: 15
Current Conditions at 9:00 p.m.:
Skies: Clear
Temperature: 23
RH: 45%
BP: 30.04 and steady
Sunrise: 7:47 a.m.
Sunset: 8:11 p.m.
Conditions from around the state:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and 1
Anchorage: Partly Cloudy and 37
Barrow: Partly Cloudy and -9
Bethel: Overcast and 28
Bettles: A few clouds and 18
Chicken: A few clouds and 8
Cold Bay: Overcast and 26
Denali National Park: Fair and 25
Ft. Yukon: Fair and 23
Juneau: A few clouds and 36
King Salmon: Mostly Cloudy and 34
Kotzubue: Mostly Cloudy and 15
McGrath: Mostly Cloudy and 29
Nome: Partly Cloudy and 27
St. Paul Island: Fair and 26
Valdez: A few clouds and 32
High: 41
Low: 15
Current Conditions at 9:00 p.m.:
Skies: Clear
Temperature: 23
RH: 45%
BP: 30.04 and steady
Sunrise: 7:47 a.m.
Sunset: 8:11 p.m.
Conditions from around the state:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and 1
Anchorage: Partly Cloudy and 37
Barrow: Partly Cloudy and -9
Bethel: Overcast and 28
Bettles: A few clouds and 18
Chicken: A few clouds and 8
Cold Bay: Overcast and 26
Denali National Park: Fair and 25
Ft. Yukon: Fair and 23
Juneau: A few clouds and 36
King Salmon: Mostly Cloudy and 34
Kotzubue: Mostly Cloudy and 15
McGrath: Mostly Cloudy and 29
Nome: Partly Cloudy and 27
St. Paul Island: Fair and 26
Valdez: A few clouds and 32
Outhouse Races
What do people do in the Interior of Alaska to celebrate the arrival of Spring? Well, you might think that we pack away our winter parkas, sweaters and heavy snow gear and pull out the best of our spring clothes. WRONG!
On this beautiful day, Mike and I ushered in the Spring season by attending the Chatanika Outhouse Races. Chatanika is an unincorporated, gold mining community 20 miles northeast of Fairbanks.
Each Spring, the Chatanika Lodge hosts Chatanika Days. During this two day festival, there are many competitions. For example, there is the Long-John Contest, a Snow Machine Tug-of-War contest and a Human Ice Bowling Contest. However, the most exciting competition of the weekend is the Outhouse Races.
Now, you may be asking yourself, “What in the world is an Outhouse Race?” First, let me say this. No, it is not a competition to see who can take the most laxatives and race from outhouse to outhouse and do their business in the shortest amount of time.
For months, a team of five people work feverishly to design and build an outhouse that will be attached to a set of skis. These outhouses must have a toilet seat and all the necessities of an outhouse (roll of toilet paper, reading material, etc…). Once attached to the skis, four team members push the outhouse and the fifth member rides inside while comfortably sitting on the “throne.” The goal of the competition is to be the fastest outhouse to cross the finish line.
Today’s competition did not disappoint. There were outhouses of all designs. One of my favorites was “Old Faithful.” The rider of “Old Faithful” was an 80 year old man who desperately wanted to be a part of this event. Another popular outhouse was the “Polished Turd.” Even the church community got involved in this one. Journey Christian Church entitled their outhouse as “The Confession Booth.” In the end, the “Ice Dogs” won the event in record time.
So, when you think about Alaska in the Spring, remember the lengthening days, the sunshine, the warming temperatures and the Chatanika Outhouse Races. Spring wouldn’t be the same without them!
On this beautiful day, Mike and I ushered in the Spring season by attending the Chatanika Outhouse Races. Chatanika is an unincorporated, gold mining community 20 miles northeast of Fairbanks.
Each Spring, the Chatanika Lodge hosts Chatanika Days. During this two day festival, there are many competitions. For example, there is the Long-John Contest, a Snow Machine Tug-of-War contest and a Human Ice Bowling Contest. However, the most exciting competition of the weekend is the Outhouse Races.
Now, you may be asking yourself, “What in the world is an Outhouse Race?” First, let me say this. No, it is not a competition to see who can take the most laxatives and race from outhouse to outhouse and do their business in the shortest amount of time.
For months, a team of five people work feverishly to design and build an outhouse that will be attached to a set of skis. These outhouses must have a toilet seat and all the necessities of an outhouse (roll of toilet paper, reading material, etc…). Once attached to the skis, four team members push the outhouse and the fifth member rides inside while comfortably sitting on the “throne.” The goal of the competition is to be the fastest outhouse to cross the finish line.
Today’s competition did not disappoint. There were outhouses of all designs. One of my favorites was “Old Faithful.” The rider of “Old Faithful” was an 80 year old man who desperately wanted to be a part of this event. Another popular outhouse was the “Polished Turd.” Even the church community got involved in this one. Journey Christian Church entitled their outhouse as “The Confession Booth.” In the end, the “Ice Dogs” won the event in record time.
So, when you think about Alaska in the Spring, remember the lengthening days, the sunshine, the warming temperatures and the Chatanika Outhouse Races. Spring wouldn’t be the same without them!
The Set Up!
The Race!
Ice Dogs (a local professional hockey team) were the winners!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Heat Wave!
Good morning! Yesterday was an incredible day here in the Interior. On our little acre here in North Pole, we had a high of 36 degrees. Being above freezing left people feeling happy and hopeful.
Our current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Fair
Temperature: 12
RH: 75%
BP: 30.10 and falling
Sunrise: 7:51 a.m.
Sunset: 8:07 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 6:30 a.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and -6
Anchorage: Overcast and 33
Barrow: Fog/Mist and 0
Bethel: Partly Cloudy and 24
Bettles: Fair and -2
Chicken: Mostly Cloudy and -7
Cold Bay: Overcast and 33
Denali National Park: Fair and 16
Ft. Yukon: No report
Juneau: Overcast and 32
King Salmon: Fair and 16
Kotzubue: Partly Cloudy and 17 (East Winds at 24 mph)
McGrath: A Few Clouds and 5
Nome: Mostly Cloudy and 22
St. Paul Island: Fog/Mist and 21
Valdez: Mostly Cloudy and 37
Our current conditions at 6:30 a.m.:
Skies: Fair
Temperature: 12
RH: 75%
BP: 30.10 and falling
Sunrise: 7:51 a.m.
Sunset: 8:07 p.m.
Conditions from around the state at 6:30 a.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and -6
Anchorage: Overcast and 33
Barrow: Fog/Mist and 0
Bethel: Partly Cloudy and 24
Bettles: Fair and -2
Chicken: Mostly Cloudy and -7
Cold Bay: Overcast and 33
Denali National Park: Fair and 16
Ft. Yukon: No report
Juneau: Overcast and 32
King Salmon: Fair and 16
Kotzubue: Partly Cloudy and 17 (East Winds at 24 mph)
McGrath: A Few Clouds and 5
Nome: Mostly Cloudy and 22
St. Paul Island: Fog/Mist and 21
Valdez: Mostly Cloudy and 37
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Above Zero Morning
Good Morning! This is going to a very quick post. So, let me get to the point.
Current conditions at 7:00 a.m.:
Skies: Fair
Temperature: 4
RH: 70%
BP: 30.40
Sunrise: 7:54 a.m.
Sunset: 8:04 p.m.
We are gaining 6 minutes and 44 seconds of daylight each day.
We had the hopes of seeing the Aurora Borealis last night. Unfortunately, I didn't see it. I was probably sleeping like a baby when it finally decided to make an appearance.
Current conditions at 7:00 a.m.:
Skies: Fair
Temperature: 4
RH: 70%
BP: 30.40
Sunrise: 7:54 a.m.
Sunset: 8:04 p.m.
We are gaining 6 minutes and 44 seconds of daylight each day.
We had the hopes of seeing the Aurora Borealis last night. Unfortunately, I didn't see it. I was probably sleeping like a baby when it finally decided to make an appearance.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Spring Time Weather, Alaska Style
The snow is melting on our back deck.I know it doesn't look like much, but it's a beautiful sight!
A moose wandered through our yard.Taken through our bedroom window.
This cow is searching for something good to eat.Good afternoon from North Pole, Alaska. We are experiencing some incredible spring-like weather! Of course, when you think of spring-like weather, you may envision abundant sunshine, temperatures in the 60's, lengthening days and flowers blooming.
Well, folks, that's not how it is in the Interior of Alaska. Okay, we do have brilliant sunshine and long days, but that's where the similarities stop. Our version of spring-like weather is highs in the upper 20's and moose visiting our house.
After being below zero for several months, 25 degrees is like dying and going to Heaven! In fact, it was just the other day at recess (I teach elementary school) that it was 27 degrees. The kids were out running around in t-shirts and rolling in the snow. I don't have pictures to back this up. You'll just have to take my word for it. To be brutally honest, we don't cancel recess until it gets colder than 20 below zero.
As I mentioned, the days are long. We are experiencing almost 12 hours of daylight. We gain over 6 minutes of daylight each day. We will continue this long climb until June 21st. Then we will begin our downward spiral into total darkness.
While we don't have flowers and blooming trees, we are on the edge of spring and after a long winter, I am ready. As I was looking outside this afternoon, I noticed that the snow was melting on our deck. All be it just a little melting, it is melting and I'll take it!
Wednesday, March 17th
Happy St. Patrick's Day from North Pole, Alaska!
Current Conditions:
Skies: Clear
Temperature: 8
RH: 71%
BP: 30.32 and steady
BP: 30.32 and steady
Sunrise: 8:02 a.m.
Sunset: 7:58 p.m.
Conditions from around the state of Alaska at 6:00 a.m.:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair and 0
Anchorage: Fair skies and 26
Barrow: Fair skies and -19
Bethel: Fair and 8
Bettles: Fair and -10
Chicken: A few clouds and -8
Cold Bay: A few clouds and 20
Denali National Park: Fair and -11
Ft. Yukon: No report
Juneau: Light rain and 38
King Salmon: Fair and 13
Kotzubue: A few clouds and 6
McGrath: Fair and -7
Nome: Partly cloudy and 6
St. Paul Island: Fog/Mist and 23
Valdez: Fair ad 37
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Other Weather Resources
Since I am a weather fanatic, I love reading other blogs about weather. All of these blogs and websites are managed by real meteorologists and give more detailed information on forecasts and weather discussions. My blog is just for fun!
One of my favorites is http://alabamawx.com. It's contributors are some of the nations leading meteorologist, including James Spann. James Spann is a local meteorologist in the Birmingham, Alabama area. In my eyes, he is a true weather expert.
Another website that I frequent is the National Weather Service Alaska Region Headquarters. It can be accessed at http://www.arh.noaa.gov.
Also, I often visit NOAA's National Weather Service Home Page at http://www.nws.noaa.gov.
During hurricane season, I follow the NWS National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
My First Post on Weather Conditions
Current Conditions in North Pole Alaska at 1:50 p.m. AKDT:
Skies: Clear with abundant sunshine
Temperature: 27.2
Relative Humidity: 51%
Barometric Pressure: 30.24 and steady.
Sunrise: 8:05 a.m.
Sunset: 7:55 p.m.
We are gaining 6 minutes and 44 seconds of daylight each day.
Other conditions around the state:
Anaktuvuk Pass: Fair skies and -4
Anchorage: Fair skies and 33
Barrow: Fair skies and -19
Bethel: Fair and 11
Bettles: A few clouds and 10
Chicken: Overcast and 21
Cold Bay: Partly cloudy and 25
Ft. Yukon: Fair and 3
Juneau: Most cloudy and 43
King Salmon: Partly cloudy and 33
Kotzubue: Overcast and -4
McGrath: Fair and 19
Nome: Partly cloudy and 11
St. Paul Island: Overcast and 24
Valdez: Fair ad 36
My Obsession with Weather
I have a fascination with weather. In fact, when I was 5 years old, I used to stand in front of the wall and pretend I was a meteorologist. I would point to different areas of the country on an imaginary map and give a very detailed weather forecast.
As I grew up, I decided I wanted to be a meteorologist. However, God had other plans for me. He wanted me to be a teacher. Not quite a meteorologist, huh? With that said, my love for weather has never faded.
I have lived in some of the most exciting areas of the country in terms of weather. I grew up in Central Alabama with tornadoes. I lived in Chicago with their cold, windy winters. And, I've lived in Orlando, Florida with their hurricanes. All of these provided me with ample opportunities to experience a plethora of weather phenomena.
However, I now live in an area of the U.S. that has some wild weather extremes. In May 2009, my husband and I moved to North Pole, Alaska. North Pole is a small town 12 miles southeast of Fairbanks.
North Pole is on the road system, which means we are not in the bush. The bush, for those of you who are not familiar with Alaska, are areas of state that can only be accessed by plane. The road system is just like what it sounds. You have roads you can drive on and access other areas of the state on these roads.
Since the weather is so exciting here in Alaska and I'm a weather nut, I decided to create this blog to share with others my love for Alaskan weather. My goal is to make daily posts with weather updates from North Pole and around the state. Posts may range from a quick temperature and current conditions update to a more detailed post with pictures.
I hope that you enjoy reading my blog and learning more about Alaskan weather and culture.
As I grew up, I decided I wanted to be a meteorologist. However, God had other plans for me. He wanted me to be a teacher. Not quite a meteorologist, huh? With that said, my love for weather has never faded.
I have lived in some of the most exciting areas of the country in terms of weather. I grew up in Central Alabama with tornadoes. I lived in Chicago with their cold, windy winters. And, I've lived in Orlando, Florida with their hurricanes. All of these provided me with ample opportunities to experience a plethora of weather phenomena.
However, I now live in an area of the U.S. that has some wild weather extremes. In May 2009, my husband and I moved to North Pole, Alaska. North Pole is a small town 12 miles southeast of Fairbanks.
North Pole is on the road system, which means we are not in the bush. The bush, for those of you who are not familiar with Alaska, are areas of state that can only be accessed by plane. The road system is just like what it sounds. You have roads you can drive on and access other areas of the state on these roads.
Since the weather is so exciting here in Alaska and I'm a weather nut, I decided to create this blog to share with others my love for Alaskan weather. My goal is to make daily posts with weather updates from North Pole and around the state. Posts may range from a quick temperature and current conditions update to a more detailed post with pictures.
I hope that you enjoy reading my blog and learning more about Alaskan weather and culture.
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