2018 was the fourth warmest year in Nome's weather history, with most places in Western Alaska experiencing a top-five warmest year on record, according to Rick Thoman, a climate specialist for the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy. Thoman attributes this to record low sea ice during the first half of the year, which allowed ocean temperatures to warm significantly during the summer and fall. Nome received 95 inches of snow in 2018, which is above normal but not a record. So far this winter, Nome has received more than 30 inches of snow, which is below normal. Sea ice in the Bering and Chukchi seas is also below average levels. However, Thoman does not expect a destructive coastal storm with big wave action to hit Western Alaska communities this winter.