Alaska’s First Heat Advisory Issued, AP Confirms It’s Not Linked to Climate Change

Red State
Yes, we do experience summers here in Alaska. We like to joke about our weather; one of the favorites is saying Alaska has four seasons: June, July, August, and winter. Of course, that’s a bit of an exaggeration because even in late September, we sometimes sit outside enjoying lovely days on the deck.

Winters, however, are not something to take lightly. Temperatures can drop into the 20s and 30s below zero, which isn’t unusual, even in the south-central part of Alaska. Living near the Cook Inlet in the Susitna Valley, we get a bit of the ocean’s moderating influence, but the interior experiences more extreme temperatures.

Interestingly enough, Alaska recently had its first-ever heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service. But don’t blame it on climate change; instead, it’s just a change in procedure. For the first time, parts of Alaska will be under a heat advisory, but it’s worth noting that this doesn’t mean it’s the first instance of unusually high temperatures in the state.

Previously, warm weather conditions were communicated through “special weather statements.” The new heat advisory label is meant to help people better understand the severity and potential danger of the weather. The first advisory was issued for Sunday in Fairbanks, where temperatures were expected to top 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fairbanks, located in the interior north of Broad Pass, often sees higher highs and lower lows compared to areas closer to the ocean. The warm temperatures aren’t anything new for this part of Alaska. But once summer temps rise into the 90s, it causes some unique problems here that other places might not experience.

Almost no one has air conditioning in their homes or businesses because it’s rarely needed. On those rare, unseasonably warm days, many of us will hop in the truck and take a drive since most newer vehicles are equipped with air conditioning. It seems like traffic on the Parks Highway increases on those warm days.

Our homes are built to retain heat, not to shed it, which can make unseasonably warm days a bit uncomfortable. Many houses, including ours, have large south-facing windows to maximize passive solar heating. Under our house, there’s a massive stone heat-sink to help keep the house warm even after the fire goes out.

Keeping a house warm is a bigger concern than keeping it cool here. But, this is still Alaska, and the warm weather doesn’t last very long. Before we know it, winter will be back.

Right now, in our Susitna Valley, it’s a pleasant 62 degrees and sunny. For mid-June, that’s just fine with us. While the warm weather is enjoyable, it’s a reminder that Alaska’s winter chill is never far away.