Effects of Alaska Weather

Alaska is a state of breathtaking beauty that is rich in energy and mineral resources. More than one-third of Alaska contains forested land. The population is around 649,000 people with an economy that focuses on the petroleum, tourism and seafood industries. Over the past 50 years temperatures have warmed at double the rate in Alaska compared to other states. Now climate change impacts are more prevalent than ever.

Climate Regions

• Mountain ranges of Alaska

  Geographic features dramatically impact Alaska's climate. The Pacific Ocean affects the climate in the south-central/southeastern region, where precipitation is abundant and summer temperatures commonly reach 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The climate of the West Coast region is influenced by the open waters of the Bering Sea, when summer temperatures are warm, and the presence of sea ice, when winter temperatures are cold. The Alaska and Brooks Ranges surround the interior region, where there is very little precipitation and temperatures range from 80 degrees Fahrenheit (summer) to -50 degrees (winter). The Arctic region is influenced by the Arctic Ocean, where little precipitation occurs and temperatures range from 8 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

Permafrost Melting

• Permafrost melting is prevalent in Alaska.

  Permafrost is ground that maintains a temperature below freezing for a minimum of two years. In recent decades the increasing warmer annual temperatures have caused fast melting of the frozen ground in Alaska. The thawing of the ground, known as permafrosting, is stressing the environment and causing structural damage in Alaskan communities. In some areas roads, runways and homes are cracking, sinking and falling apart.

Forest Fires

• Forest fire vulnerability has increased in Alaska.

  Fire is an important issue in Alaska because of the vast amount of forested land--about 129 million acres--in the state. Forest fires commonly occur as a result of severe climatic events, such as lightning strikes, extremely warm temperatures and drought conditions. Temperatures can vary as much as 160 degrees Fahrenheit between the summer and winter months in the interior regions of Alaska. Forest fires typically burn across Alaska between March and August every year and cause major damage.

Sea-Ice Loss

• Walruses rely on sea ice for survival.

  The climate of Alaska creates heavy snow, gale force winds, extreme temperatures and ice buildup that all contribute to weather-related damage. There is deep concern about the loss of sea ice as a result of weather-related changes. The melting sea has forced tens of thousands of walruses to come onshore in northwest Alaska because the ice they typically lie on has melted. The loss of sea ice is due to warm temperatures that continue to increase year after year. If this trend is to continue, walruses, polar bears and other animals that depend on sea ice for survival will die.