Alaska Issues First-Ever Heat Warning

Summer heat isn’t unusual in many places. But in Alaska, it’s a different story. This week, something happened for the first time.

Meteorologists issued an official heat warning for the area around Fairbanks. That’s never been done before in Alaska, reports TV2.

Forecasters say temperatures will stay high for several days. On Tuesday, Fairbanks could reach 30°C (86°F).

Not Their First Hot Days

That’s considered hot anywhere, but especially for a place so far north. And the heat is expected to continue through the weekend.

This region has seen warm weather before. It’s not new for Fairbanks to have hot days. But this is the first time that local weather officials have felt the need to warn the public in advance.

They say the heat could pose risks for people, especially those who are elderly, sick, or without access to cooling.

Fairbanks is located close to the Arctic Circle. It sits near the 65th parallel, which is about the same latitude as Oulu in Finland.

During summer, the sun barely sets. That means long days of sunshine and heat building up over time.

Temperature Record

Alaska’s all-time high temperature is 38°C (100°F). That record was set back in 1915. On that day, Fairbanks reached 37.8°C.

While the current forecast doesn’t break that record, it’s still unusual enough to raise concerns.

The ground in Alaska is used to staying cool. Many homes are built for cold, not heat. That makes extreme warmth harder to handle.

People don’t always have air conditioning or the right insulation for hot weather. Officials are asking residents to stay safe, drink water, avoid too much sun, and check on neighbors.

This new warning shows that Alaska’s weather is changing. What once seemed rare may become more common in the years ahead.

For now, Fairbanks is preparing for a stretch of unusually hot days, and people are learning how to adapt.