textproduct: Anchorage

LONG TERM FORECAST (Days 4 through 7 - Monday through Thursday)

An extensive upper level trough stretching from the Russian Far East across the Bering continues its Eastward push over Interior Alaska into Northern Canada through the forecast period. A low center separates from this trough at the Alaska Peninsula and moves across the Gulf of Alaska before exiting to the Southeast for Wednesday. A weak ridge moving over the Aleutians flattens out by Thursday. An ECMWF / GFS and Canadian blended cluster continues to handle features consistently well through the period. Greatest uncertainty rests with the smaller details supported by shortwaves rotating through the pattern.

A well developed surface low and front over the Central Bering weakens and dissipates as it approaches Western Alaska by Tuesday. Widespread snow and gale force winds over the Bering subsides by late Tuesday. Meanwhile a low that formed on the front near Kodiak Island pushes snow over the inland areas of Southcentral Alaska, the Alaska Peninsula into Southwest Alaska, and areas of rain along the coastal zones in Southcentral and over the Gulf, diminishing late Tuesday. A strong North Pacific low and front bears down on the Western and Central Aleutians late Tuesday through Thursday. Locally heavy rains and gale force winds move over the Aleutians, diminishing Thursday.

- Kutz

AVIATION

PANC...VFR will prevail through the TAF period in wake of a frontal system. Winds will become northerly this evening, becoming gusty overnight before abating on Friday.