textproduct: Anchorage

SHORT TERM FORECAST SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA (Days 1 through 3)

The forecast remains in a similar pattern as before, a low moving into the Gulf of Alaska will interact with an upper low over Western Alaska. This will lead to cool, cloudy, and rainy weather across Southcentral this weekend. A barrier jet will form along the coast near Cordova on Saturday with winds up to gale force in strength. The barrier jet will dissipate by Sunday when the low approaches the coast and weakens. Meanwhile, winds for inland areas are not expected to be gusty expect for the Copper River Basin, which could have elevated winds from the southeast over the weekend. As for precipitation, rainfall is expected to increase tonight as a push of moisture allows for more widespread showers, including Anchorage and the Mat-Su. A break in rainfall for inland areas will occur on Saturday afternoon as downsloping sets up. However, aloft winds weaken on Sunday, allowing for another round of rainfall. Monday will see a front push in from the west, allowing for steady rainfall in Kodiak Island and likely gap winds in the waters surrounding Kodiak Island as well.

-JAR

AVIATION

PANC...Mostly VFR conditions through this evening, with cloud ceilings hovering around 5000 ft. Cloud ceiling drop to MVFR by 07Z as rain moves in. IFR ceilings are expected late tonight/early tomorrow morning (after 13Z) and visibilities drop between 3-5 SM. Conditions start to improve after 18Z tomorrow morning. Chances for light rains showers are possible tomorrow morning but overall mostly drier conditions expected for Saturday.