Alaska Records Extreme Subzero Temperatures Below −60°F as Interior Communities Begin Slow Warm-Up
ALASKA — Northern Alaska endured some of its coldest temperatures of the season over the past week, with Interior communities plunging well below −40°F and one location falling past −60°F, according to newly released data from the National Weather Service in Fairbanks.
The coldest temperature was recorded in Chicken, Alaska, where readings dropped to −62°F on December 22, marking the most extreme low observed statewide during the period. Several other Interior locations followed closely behind, underscoring the intensity of the Arctic air mass that dominated the region.
Meteorologists say conditions are now slowly beginning to moderate, as a warm front pushes into the Interior overnight, offering gradual relief heading into the holiday period.
Coldest Temperatures Recorded Across Interior Alaska
Temperature data released by the National Weather Service Fairbanks office shows widespread extreme cold across northern Alaska communities during the past week:
- Chicken: −62°F
- Northway: −57°F
- Eagle: −48°F
- Nenana: −45°F
- Wiseman: −44°F
- Fairbanks: −43°F
- McGrath: −43°F
- Bettles: −42°F
- Delta Junction: −42°F
Temperatures at this level are considered dangerous even by Alaska standards, capable of causing frostbite within minutes and placing additional strain on heating systems, transportation, and infrastructure.
What Caused the Extreme Cold
Forecasters attribute the deep freeze to a strong Arctic high-pressure system that settled over the Interior. Clear skies, calm winds, and long winter nights allowed heat to rapidly escape, especially in valley locations where cold air pooled overnight.
Interior communities are particularly vulnerable to these extremes due to their geography and lack of nearby maritime influences that can moderate temperatures.
Warming Trend Begins, but Cold Risks Remain
Although the most extreme lows have passed, weather officials caution that temperatures will remain well below normal for several more days.
A warm front moving into the Interior is expected to gradually raise temperatures, reducing the risk of record-breaking lows. However, residents are still urged to take cold-weather precautions, as subzero conditions will persist overnight.
What Residents Should Expect Next
Forecasters indicate the following conditions over the next several days:
- Gradual temperature moderation across Interior Alaska
- Continued subzero overnight lows in many communities
- Reduced frostbite risk, though cold exposure remains dangerous
Emergency officials continue to advise residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, ensure vehicles are winter-ready, and check on vulnerable neighbors during the ongoing cold spell.
Why This Matters
Interior Alaska remains one of the coldest inhabited regions in the United States during winter, and even brief periods of extreme cold can have serious impacts on health, infrastructure, and daily life.
Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware as conditions slowly improve and to follow guidance from local officials throughout the holiday period.
If you live in Alaska or have family in the Interior, stay informed and follow updates from WaldronNews.com for continued weather coverage.