Nome breaks record for highest temperature set in December

Nome experienced an unprecedented weather event with record-breaking high temperatures in December, reaching 44°F, disrupting daily life as rain turned snow into ice, and causing school closures and transportation challenges. This is only the second time in Nome’s 119 year climate history that the temperature has stayed continuously above freezing on back-to-back days in December.

Comment from Gemini:

The attached articles document a history of unusual weather events in Nome, Alaska, further illuminating the December 2024 record-breaking temperatures. The January 3, 2025, observation describes the continuing lack of snow cover following the December warmth, highlighting the lasting impacts of this unusual weather system. This subsequent lack of snow impacted traditional winter activities and subsistence practices, underscoring the broader consequences of such temperature anomalies. Other observations detail past instances of disruptive weather in Nome, including heavy snow and wind events (January 19, 2024; March 11, 2023), illustrating the region's vulnerability to various forms of extreme weather. The December 9, 2022 observation describes a similar, though less extreme, warm spell in Nome, showcasing a recurring pattern of unusual winter warmth. While the September 21, 2020, and May 11, 2018 observations focus on rainfall and snowfall records respectively, they contribute to a broader understanding of Nome's changing climate and its susceptibility to extreme fluctuations.

The current article highlights the disruption caused by the unusual warmth and subsequent ice, rather than snow, accumulation. This contrasts with typical winter conditions in Nome and underscores the unexpected challenges posed by these fluctuating temperatures. The observation also touches on the debate surrounding the use of "Blizzard Bags" and remote learning days in response to weather-related school closures. This issue, further complicated by recent directives from the Alaska Department of Education, highlights the complex interplay between climate change, school attendance, and educational policy. Alaska's higher than average chronic absenteeism rate adds another layer to this discussion. For more information about chronic student absenteeism, see the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development's Chronic Absenteeism webpage: https://education.alaska.gov/DOE_Rolodex/Chronic_Absenteeism The observation also quotes Rick Thoman, a recognized climate expert in Alaska, attributing the unusual weather to a combination of specific atmospheric conditions and broader climate change trends. His expertise adds weight to the observation and provides valuable context for understanding the event's significance. It is also worth mentioning that this type of weather affects not only Alaska, but other parts of the Arctic and sub-Arctic. For an outside perspective see the article "Warm Arctic winter follows record breaking rain in autumn," from the https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/warm-arctic-winter-follows-record-breaking-rain-autumn-researchers-2022-01-19/