Extreme or Unseasonable Weather

Description: This project includes observations about unseasonable weather.

Location: Alaska, United States

Background: Unseasonable weather is one of the most common types of observations posted in LEO Network. This project is a compilation of posts on this topic, from across Alaska.

Funding: Open Invitation

Partners: National Weather Service, Alaska Region HQ

Observing guidance: LEO Network (source data) observers are asked to collect images and to describe the nature of the weather and how it would compare with past normal seasonal conditions. Observers are also invited to share insights on the impacts on the environment or their community.

NWS Storm Report: Submit a storm report to the National Weather Service Anchorage, AK. This interface is intended to be used solely for the relay of storm information to the NWS. Other comments or information should be sent to the National Weather Service Anchorage, AK. The interactive website contains four components to submit a storm report:

1. Event Location - Enter date/time/location of event. Please reference to major roadway or intersection for events within towns/cities.
2. Event Type (Select all that apply) - There are nine Weather Event Types (WET) (Dense Fog, Flood, Hail, High Wind Speed, Tornado/Funnel Cloud, Wind Damage, Heavy Snow, Snow, and Freezing Rain/Icing) to select from. Each WET includes a dropdown list for more specific information, for e.g., Dense Fog (Visibility <=1/4 | Visibility <=1/2 mile) or the intensity of wind damage to trees, powerlines, etc.
3. Additional Details - Provide any additional information that you feel is pertinent to your submission (500 characters maximum). You may also pass along additional information by e-mailing them to the National Weather Service Anchorage, AK separately. (Webmaster)

The 4th component asks for Contact Information like your Name, Spotter Id (if assigned), E-mail address, Phone number, and an Observation Profile. NOTE: If you have any questions about reporting weather and/or using this reporting form, please contact the AFC Webmaster. When you feel comfortable with your observation, click Review Report (green button) or Reset Report (red button) to complete the observation.

Outputs: Regional map. Timeline trend (pending). Analysis by climatologists.

• 2016 Highlights-AK Wx & Climate Extremes, by R. L. Thoman, US NWS Alaska Region (NOAA)

Project Updates: Pending

In the Press:

• Alaska Public Media – Experts say 2016 smashed previous records for Alaska’s hottest year on record. By Tim Ellis, KUAC - Fairbanks (Jan 10, 2017)

• Washington Post – As the Arctic roasts, Alaska bakes in one of its warmest winter. By Jason Samenow (Feb 23, 2016)

• Washington Post – Scientist floored by Arctic weather. By Chris Mooney (Feb 18, 2016)

• Alaska Dispatch News – Low-snow season goes for a record in Anchorage's weather books. Author: Chris Klint (Feb 16, 2016)

Photo captions:

Figure 1. (2017-01-05) 2016 Alaska Weather & Climate Highlights – Warm-weather related highlights dominate 2016, including the exceptionally warm spring, with very early snow melt, river break-up and green-up. The last days of March brought extreme warmth to many parts of the state, including a remarkable 71F at Klawock, the first time the temperatures has exceeded 70F in Alaska during the third month of the year. Summer was exceptionally wet in the central Interior, resulting in a mudslide that closed the road in western Denali Park in late July. The slide stranded more than 100 people for several days. The wildfire season was nothing like 2015, but there were several high impact fires, including the McHugh Creek wildfire, just southeast of Anchorage, during mid-July, which caused long delays on the busy Seward Highway for several days and spread dense smoke across the city on July 21. October was record dry across much of Southeast, but Juneau still saw the greatest early season snowfall in more than 75 years. Sea ice extent around Alaska was very low compared to historical averages both early in the year and again in the autumn. Source: US National Weather Service Alaska

Figure 2. (2017-01-05) 2016 Highest Temperatures – Values shown are highest temperatures in 2016 for Alaska.

Figure 3. (2017-01-05) 2016 Lowest Temperatures – Values shown are lowest temperatures in 2016 for Alaska.

Figure 4. (2016-11-01) October 2016 Climate Highlights – October was very dry over much of eastern mainland and Southeast Alaska. Most places in the Panhandle recorded either the driest or second driest October, which in some areas is, on average, the wettest month of the year. Parts of Interior Alaska had virtually no precipitation, with just 0.01” at Northway and 0.02” at Fairbanks. The lack of precipitation means a lack of snow cover, with Fairbanks having the first “brown” Halloween since 1940. Over western Alaska October was exceptionally warm. For the first time, Barrow had an average October daily high temperature above freezing (33.5F), and the monthly average exceeded the previous warmest by more than two degrees. Nome and St. Paul also broke the previous October record by more than a degree. Source: US National Weather Service Alaska