Gale Warning 38, NWS Fairbanks, AK

Northern Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
132 PM AKST Sat Feb 1 2025

.SYNOPSIS...Snow will continue across the Interior through this
afternoon. 1 to 3 inches of accumulations possible. Clouds and
snow have moderated temperatures across the Interior. A continued
warm up is expected through early next week. Advisories and
warnings for blowing snow followed by light freezing rain remain
in effect for parts of the west coast and western Arctic coast
through this afternoon. A second front on Sunday will bring
another round strong southerly winds through the Bering Straits
and the Northwest Coast around Cape Lisburne and Point Hope
producing more blowing snow and low visibility.

.DISCUSSION...

Key Weather Messages:

Central and Eastern Interior...

- Temperatures moderate through the weekend. Highs in the hills
  will be back to near 0 or even a bit above on Saturday and
  valley temperatures will warm to near 10 above by Sunday. The
  Yukon Flats will remain 10 to 20 degrees colder than other
  areas.

- 1-3 inches of snow across the area Saturday through Sunday as a
  weak shortwave moves over the top of the ridge.

West Coast and Western Interior...

- Southerly flow is impacting the west coast continuing the snow,
  and blowing snow. Winds gusting as high as 30-40 mph. Freezing
  drizzle is also begin reported near Nome and will continue
  through tonight. . A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for
  Nome, Golovin, and the Bering Strait for snow and blowing snow,
  followed by freezing drizzle.

- Next front will bring strong winds and Blizzard conditions to
  the Bering Strait and Point Hope. Winter Storm Watch is still in
  effect and Watch has been upgraded to Blizzard Warning for Point
  Hope starting Sunday morning through Monday night.

North Slope and Brooks Range...

- Snow and BLowing snow is occurring in Brooks Range Passes. A
  Winter Weather Advisory has been issued through this evening.

- Next front will bring strong winds and Blizzard conditions to
  the Bering Strait and Point Hope. Winter Storm Watches are still
  in effect for the Bering Strait and the Winter Storm Watch has
  been upgraded to Blizzard Warning for Point Hope starting Sunday
  morning through Monday night.

Forecast Analysis and Confidence...Some moisture will continue
to ride over the top of the ridge and into the Interior on
Saturday and Sunday spreading some light snow through the interior
of the state, 1 to 3 inches expected. A tight pressure gradient
will continue over the west coast with advisories and warnings for
blowing snow and some mixed precipitation through the weekend. 850
mb temps will increase this weekend into next week moderating the
temps above normal once again for much of Northern Alaska.

Extended Forecast For Days 4 Through 7...

- High pressure persists through the week. Temperature inversions
  likely with warmer hills and cold valleys.

- Some small features will weaken the high pressure slightly while
  bringing clouds and some chances for light precipitation Tuesday
  through Friday.

- Temperatures in valleys while under clouds will be mild
  generally between 0F and freezing. When under clear skies
  temperatures in valleys will be significantly colder.

The strong ridge pattern that sets up this weekend will see
several shortwaves move through the pattern from the west. These
will weaken the ridge, although surface pressure will still be
high. While these move through clouds and increased chances of
light precipitation will move across the state. There is very
little confidence on exactly when or where these conditions will
impact, but impacts are expected to be minimal. There is however a
non-zero chance of some isolated areas of freezing drizzle with
this pattern. Near the end of the next week these shortwaves
decrease with higher pressure once again building across the
region.

Coastal Hazard Potential Days 3 and 4...None.

&&

.AFG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AK...Blizzard Warning for AKZ801.
     Winter Weather Advisory for AKZ802-809-816-817.
     Winter Storm Watch for AKZ820-821.
     Winter Weather Advisory for AKZ821-822.
PK...Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ801-817-853-854.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ802-816-850.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ805.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ806-807.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ809.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ810>812-856>858.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ813.
     Gale Warning for PKZ851.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ855.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ859.
&&

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
140 AM AKST Sun Feb 2 2025

AKZ825-826-021800-
Yukon Delta Coast-Lower Yukon River-
Including Mountain Village, Emmonak, Alakanuk, Kotlik,
Scammon Bay, Hooper Bay, Nunam Iqua, Chevak, Russian Mission,
St Marys, Pilot Station, and Marshall
140 AM AKST Sun Feb 2 2025

Light freezing drizzle is expected for areas of the Yukon Coast
and the Lower Yukon River through Saturday night and into Sunday.
Ice accumulations up to a glaze is possible. Dense fog is also
expected with visibility as low as one quarter mile at times.