The first heat advisory ever issued in the state of Alaska was put in place by the National Weather Service in Fairbanks for Sunday.
This is in preparation for unseasonable warmth that’s expected to invade the region this weekend, causing temperatures to soar nearly 15 degrees above average.
Wait – Is It Really The First?
Yes, this is indeed the first heat advisory ever issued in the state of Alaska. But there is a caveat.
This is the first year that issuing heat advisories is even an option for the NWS offices in Fairbanks and Juneau, Alaska.
These changes, which officially went into effect on June 2, will allow the Alaska forecast offices to better communicate heat information and impacts in their forecast areas.
So, How Hot Will Temperatures Get?
Fairbanks, Alaska, is currently forecast to reach the mid-to-upper 80s by Sunday, with the heat lasting into early week.
These forecast temperatures are 10 to 15 degrees above average for this time of year, which is around 72 degrees in Fairbanks.
The Sunday forecast barely exceeds the new criteria to trigger a heat advisory.
Here are the temperature thresholds, depending on location within the state, that prompt an advisory with the Alaska offices:
- Interior: 85 degrees
- North Slope: 75 degrees
- Southeast: 80 degrees
- Only Mid-To-Upper 80s?
- Don’t scoff at these temperatures quite yet.
- In the same way that only a couple of inches of snow can cripple the South while Alaskans wouldn’t even bat an eye, these temperatures, though seemingly mundane for many in the continental U.S., could be dangerous for those in Alaska.
- Places are built to withstand their climate – which, for Alaska, is on the colder end of the spectrum.
- As Alaska-based climatologist Brian Brettschneider pointed out on the social media platform Bluesky, many buildings, such as homes and schools, are built to retain heat – which, while ideal in the brutal winters, could pose a major threat as temperatures begin to rise. And most don’t have air conditioning, either.
- Staying Safe In The Heat
- While it’s tempting to spend time outside once the temperatures warm up, it’s important to stay safe in the heat.
- Heat stress is the leading weather-related cause of death.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Wear light clothing
- Find an air-conditioned building if possible, and stay indoors
- Check on vulnerable individuals
