Despite a dry December, Alaska experienced an unusually wet year, with higher-than-normal precipitation mainly occurring in the summer months, according to climatologist Brian Brettschneider.
Unusually warm weather in early December 2024 has led to rain in Anchorage, Alaska, marking the most December rainfall since 2018, driven by a warm air surge from the eastern Pacific.
Just under 2 inches of new snow fell the entire month, making it one of the least snowy on record. Last season was the second snowiest on record. The winter of 2011-12 set the record for the city’s snowiest. A few winters later, Kutz said, “we dropped down to minimum snow.”
Alaska is experiencing an unusual warm-up with a Pacific low bringing heavy rain, freezing rain, and snow. Southeast Alaska reports significant precipitation and above-normal temperatures.
Anchorage experiences unprecedented rainfall, leading to road closures and flood advisories due to overflowing creeks and waterlogged streets.
Alaska is experiencing rapid environmental changes, including record-high temperatures, shrinking sea ice, increased wildfires, and unusual wildlife patterns, such as the decline of salmon and the rise of snow goose populations.
Observations From Members 