We hate to put a damper in your mid-week mayhem but this bone chilling weather is too crazy to ignore. Sure, us locals are used to cold weather and dark days for months on end. But when temps that drop well below the 0 degree line and down into the negatives come into our southcentral neighborhoods, we are painstakingly beside ourselves. From hoarfrost to ice fog, your chances of staying warm are slim to none. Will you be hibernating indoors or braving the storm outside?
Over the last week, southcentral Alaska was hammered with inches upon inches of snow that fell softly from the sky for hours and days on end.
Flickr - Michael Hayes
Although these blizzard conditions made snow lovers rejoice, the clean up has been an ongoing struggle as we wait for streets to be cleaned up and traffic conditions to slowly improve.
Flickr - Travis
If you look around today, all that you’ll see is a frosty winter wonderland from interior all the way down into the southcentral region of Alaska.
Flickr - Jane Brazell
The crystalline deposits of frozen water vapors have created a hoarfrost scene in just about every direction you look.
Flickr - Travis
Not to mention, the stubborn ice fog isn’t helping our situation much either.
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
We hate to break it to you, but this is about the only think you’ll see for the next 48 hours…
Flickr - Rosie Rosenberger
Anchorage’s high isn’t expected to come above the zero degree line and is expected to go as low as -18 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flickr - Michael Hayes
Areas in the Mat-Su Valley such as Wasilla, Palmer and Willow are feeling awfully frigid with temps sitting around -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flickr - Michael Hayes
In fact, places on the Kenai Peninsula such as Soldotna and Nikiski reported temps around -25 degrees just yesterday.
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
If you’re an avid outdoorsman/woman, get ready for anything that is exposed to freeze up instantly. Hair icicles? You betcha!
Flickr - Frank Kovalchek
If you’re a beloved pet parent who still needs to get in a good walk with your critters, be sure that you keep them warm with a good jacket and some booties.
Flickr - Wonderlane
Don’t forget to bundle yourself up as well. We recommend multiple layers with a good face mask, gloves and a thermal layer below your pants and shirt.
Flickr - Orion Wiseman
If you’re working out in this weather, be sure to wear every single piece of uniform that your company has provided you with. Or, run to the store tonight and invest in some wickedly strong winter clothing.
Flickr - Marion Doss
Or, you could just skip all that layering nonsense and opt for a more natural option. Hot spring soak? Sign us up!
Flickr - PunkToad
If you plan to fly your bush plane anywhere in the next couple of days, be prepared to spend plenty of time de-icing before you take off anywhere.
Flickr - Michael Hayes
If you happen to be in any sort of industry that requires marine travel, be prepared to navigate heaps and bounds of icebergs.
Flickr - Weston Renoud
No matter what you do, be sure to plug your vehicle in tonight (or pull it in the garage) if you don’t want your battery to seize up tonight.
Flickr - James Brooks
But no matter what precautions you take, this feeling will be completely unavoidable for the next couple days…
Flickr - Roger W
But hey, bone chilling weather isn’t all a bore. Do you want to see something awesome? Check out this sweet YouTube video below and see what happens when you throw a cup of hot coffee into thin air when the temps are below zero. Try it yourself and watch your kiddos light up with excitement when they see this ‘magic trick’ happen right before their very eyes.
Flickr - Michael Hayes
Flickr - Travis
Flickr - Jane Brazell
Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska
Flickr - Rosie Rosenberger
Flickr - Frank Kovalchek
Flickr - Wonderlane
Flickr - Orion Wiseman
Flickr - Marion Doss
Flickr - PunkToad
Flickr - Weston Renoud
Flickr - James Brooks
Flickr - Roger W
Did you know that the coldest place on planet earth is located right here in Alaska? Also, the northernmost city in the U.S. is located right here in Alaska, and it’s cold and dark for 65 full days a year. If you live in any of these 16 coldest, darkest places in Alaska – you’re already used to this bone chilling weather.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.