textproduct: Anchorage

SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 through 3)

Isolated showers remain in the forecast over the northern Susitna Valley, along the Alaska Range, Copper River Basin, and south to Valdez through the rest of this morning then become confined toward the Alaska Range this afternoon. Otherwise, many locations away from the Gulf coast can expect some peeks of sunshine this afternoon and evening.

The larger weather story shifts to the Gulf as a strong low pressure system lifts into the southwestern Gulf later tonight into Monday. At the same time, strong high pressure building along the northern Gulf Coast will tighten the pressure gradient across coastal Southcentral. Easterly to southeasterly winds will increase Sunday and persist into Monday, especially favored terrain gaps. Gap winds through Turnagain Arm, the Knik River Valley, and Copper River will pick back up both Sunday and Monday afternoons, while Kodiak Island can expect increasing winds and periods of moderate rain as the Gulf system approaches. The strongest winds are expected across marine areas, including portions of Shelikof Strait and the Barren Islands vicinity, where gale-force winds appear likely tonight through Tuesday morning.

Looking towards mid week, a building ridge over mainland Alaska continues to support a warming and drying trend for much of Southcentral. After what has felt like endless days of clouds, showers and cooler temperatures, the forecast will finally see increasing sunshine and temperatures gradually climbing.

-LM/AS/Rux

AVIATION

PANC...VFR conditions persist. Southeasterly winds are expected to increase by late morning. Gusts up to 30 is likely with brief gusts to 35 mph possible late this afternoon after 00Z through 08Z/midnight. By Monday morning, winds become light as they shift northerly.