textproduct: Anchorage

LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7: Friday through Monday)

After stubborn high pressure across the western Bering Sea/Aleutians becomes briefly interrupted Friday from a north to south moving front, high pressure will continue for the central Bering Sea/Aleutians through Monday. This would open the door to North Pacific moisture (rain/snow) from a series of fronts making it across the western Aleutians. Meanwhile, the central Aleutians, eastern Bering Sea, and the Pribilof Islands could see snow showers accompanied with the front Friday. Behind the north- south frontal passage Friday, periods of snow showers will become less likely this weekend, but will remain possible under northerly flow for the eastern Aleutians and Alaska Peninsula. Any snow showers for Southwest Mainland will remain confined to the mountain ranges and at times along the coast, depending on how far east the snow showers will nudge off the Bering.

Out east towards Southcentral, low pressure will remain in the Gulf of Alaska through the long-term period. This will help to maintain enhanced gap winds through the favored terrain and passes. Expect the majority of snow to remain along the coast and coastal mountain ranges. Most inland locations remain dry, but portions of the Copper River Basin could see light snow showers that make it across the Chugach mountains beginning Thursday and continuing through Friday.

With the exception of the far western Bering Sea, the persistent cold and dry airmass will continue across Alaska through the rest of this week. Models are hinting at relatively warmer air (but still cool air) dipping south into the Bering Sea starting Sunday into next week. Otherwise, the general pattern is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

AVIATION

PANC...VFR conditions and northerly winds to continue through the TAF period. Ongoing gusts at or above 30 knots to diminish into the 20 to 25 knot range closer to noon, then persisting into tonight.