Extreme Cold/Wind Chill — Western Arctic Plains, Alaska

2024-12-29 · Western Arctic Plains, Alaska

Event narrative

The Umiat Air Field RAWS (UMTA2) reported an air temperature of -48F and wind speeds of up to 7mph resulting in a wind chill value of -71F.

Wider weather episode

High pressure settled along the northeast Arctic coast of Alaska bringing one of the coldest air masses of the season to much of northern and central Alaska. Gusty east winds developed across the northern Arctic Plain resulting in dangerously low wind chill values.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1227109. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.