Record temperatures in northern Alaska

The most northern town in Alaska, Utqiaġvik (71°N) reached 40°F/4.5°C on Monday, more than 37°F above the average high temperature for this time of year. Monday’s temperature not only surpassed the previous #December record (34°F) set in 1932 but also exceeded the temp on any date from October 30-April 22 since 1920.

This extreme weather is the result of several conflating factors that are directly related to the rapidly warming northern regions. The volume of sea ice in the #Arctic has reduced by 75% since the 1980s, leading in part to the amplification of Arctic warming. This week’s high is also the result of a strong storm that rapidly compressed southerly winds causing 2m temperatures to skyrocket from 25°F to 40°F in 30 minutes.

This December record is now the fifth all-time record in five separate months since 2015.

This weather has global impacts. To understand these wide-reaching consequences, explore the Arctic Risk Platform.

To check current conditions in Utqiaġvik, visit the NOAA meteorological station website.