Anchorage is bracing for some seriously cold weather, with temperatures dipping to as low as 25 degrees below zero. The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory early Friday. It looks like Friday and Saturday nights will be the coldest, but residents are already feeling the chill, with temperatures hovering between -10 and -20 degrees. Merrill Field, for instance, recorded a brisk -15 degrees.
This biting cold comes from a massive Arctic air mass sweeping down from Interior Alaska. “Fairbanks is seeing even colder conditions,” explained Weather Service forecaster Tracen Knopp. This air mass is now pushing over Southcentral Alaska and is affecting the Cook Inlet area, too. Areas like Girdwood might experience a bit of relief thanks to warmer ocean temperatures nearby, but it’s still chilly.
Such cold carries risks, especially for the vulnerable. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin within five minutes. People without homes face even greater dangers during severe weather. Alexis Johnson, who oversees a local homeless shelter, noted that their usual capacity of 100 has been increased to 150 for the winter, with the city’s proactive measures making a difference. “We’ve had 200 people in the shelter for the past nine days,” she said. “They prepared for this cold snap early.”
Beyond the shelters, city officials have set up additional warming centers. One at the Anchorage Safety Center helps provide a safe haven for those in need. Thea Agnew Bemben, a special assistant to the mayor, shared that they began allowing voluntary admissions to this center earlier this year, a shift from its previous focus on involuntary holds. They are also utilizing the Downtown Transit Center as a warming area.
The Anchorage Police Department’s HOPE team has been on the ground, actively reaching out to the unhoused population. “We’re making sure to check in with people, offer them indoors, and provide resources,” Agnew Bemben explained. This coordinated outreach is crucial, especially during frost-laden nights.
Looking ahead, residents can expect a slight warm-up post-Sunday, as a winter storm is predicted. This should usher in above-zero temperatures alongside some snow cover. For more updates on weather conditions and safety tips, you can refer to trusted sources like the National Weather Service.
As temperatures continue to drop, local organizations and authorities are stepping up to protect those most vulnerable. It’s a reminder of the importance of community and the need for compassion during harsh weather.
