In Alaska, a heat advisory is being issued for certain areas for the first time ever, indicating a significant weather event in what is typically known as the coldest state in the U.S. Although rising temperatures aren’t a new occurrence in the region, the National Weather Service has only recently begun issuing heat advisories. Previously, warm weather alerts were labeled as “special weather statements,” which didn’t convey the potential risks as clearly as a heat advisory does.
This transition to issuing heat advisories aims to provide a clearer indication of the severity and danger of high temperatures. The inaugural advisory is effective this Sunday in Fairbanks, where the thermometer is expected to rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). While Fairbanks has experienced higher temperatures in the past, these conditions are atypical for this time of year, according to officials.
The change in terminology from the National Weather Service is designed to alter the public’s perception and response to warm weather notifications. Alekya Srinivasan, a meteorologist based in Fairbanks, emphasizes the importance of accurately communicating the risks associated with the high temperatures that Alaska is unaccustomed to experiencing.
This new advisory system doesn’t necessarily indicate extreme or unprecedented temperatures, as Fairbanks saw temperatures reach 90 degrees twice in 2024. However, it is a meaningful administrative update from the weather service. Rich Thoman, a climate specialist with the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, elaborates that this change doesn’t correlate directly to climate change but recognizes that high temperatures affect Alaska, particularly the interior.
One significant issue is that many Alaska buildings lack air conditioning since they are typically designed to retain heat rather than cool. Thoman points out that while temperatures depicted in the forecast may be considered mild elsewhere, they significantly impact a state where air conditioning is not commonplace. Residents can open windows during early morning hours to capture cool air if there are no ongoing wildfires prevalent in the area. However, with smoky conditions, buildings can become stiflingly hot if windows must remain closed.
Fairbanks specifically has witnessed significant smoke visibility in recent years, marking the first instance of three consecutive years exceeding a hundred hours of impaired visibility due to smoke. Historically, from the 1950s to the 1970s, summers with no smoke were relatively common, but that frequency has waned in the 21st century.
Currently, the Juneau and Fairbanks weather service offices are approved to issue heat advisories during this season, but the office in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, hasn’t been granted this capability as of yet. The area hasn’t reached the temperature levels this year that would warrant such an advisory. Brian Brettschneider, a climate scientist affiliated with the weather service, mentioned through an email that the Anchorage office is in the process of developing a plan to introduce these advisories moving forward.