textproduct: Anchorage

SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 through 3)

Satellite imagery from over the state shows Southcentral Alaska being under a surface ridge with a shortwave trough stretching across the Interior and a large low approaching the Gulf. This large North Pacific low is pushing a front into the Gulf and Kodiak Island this morning. the pressure gradient will only increase as the low presses into the ridge over Southcentral, but will not dislodge it. This will result in the front stalling over Kodiak today into Tuesday night. A Flood Watch is in effect for Kodiak Island due to this front and the heavy rain that will accompany it.

For mainland Southcentral, clouds will overspread the surface ridge today as the Gulf front moves northward, so today will see increasing clouds even with the ridge in place. However, as the upper level ridge edges into Southcentral for Tuesday and Wednesday, a noticeable warming trend will be in store for these two days. For Anchorage, after only reaching 60 degrees once so far this year, Wednesday may see the first 70 degree reading of the summer. While it is possible a sea breeze will keep the official temperature just under 70, most of the Anchorage Bowl should reach the 70 degree mark. Much of Southcentral will also see 70 degrees either Tuesday or Wednesday.

AVIATION

PANC...VFR conditions will persist. A brief period of LLWS early this morning is possible as winds aloft around 25 to 30 mph remain through mid morning. Southeasterly winds and gusts are then expected to return to the terminal by noon.