In Death Valley summer temperatures of 80°F would be considered a cold snap. In Juneau they’ll now result in the first-ever official heat advisories from the National Weather Service.
The advisories, newly announced for all of Alaska at different temperature levels last week, are based on newly available data about people’s susceptibility to heat in the state compared to other parts of the United States, according to an announcement by the weather service.
The first official advisory was issued Friday for Fairbanks due a forecast high of 85 degrees on Sunday (the official high was 83 degrees and the advisory remains in effect through Tuesday with temperatures up to 89 degrees forecast).
Juneau’s record-high temperature is 90 degrees, set in 1975, which would not meet the criteria for a heat alert under historical Lower 48 standards, according to the weather service announcement. However, locally defined criteria has been established for part of the U.S. in recent years.
“The sun angle in Alaska plays a role in 80°F feeling hotter than if you experienced that in Hawaii or elsewhere down south,” the announcement notes. “Closer to the equator, the sun is beating down directly over your head and a wide brim hat can really help. Meanwhile, at this latitude the sun angle is hitting the body more broadly.”
Also, the weather service notes, homes in Juneau are designed to retain indoor heat and the “majority of our residents do not have air conditioning.”
“Even on mild days in the 70s, studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults,” the announcement notes.
The 80-degree mark will be used for heat advisories throughout Southeast Alaska. Similar advisories will be issued at the 75- and 85-degree levels in parts of Fairbanks, whose record temperature is 96 degrees set in 1969.
“Excessive Heat Warnings are not part of the changes we are making,” the announcement notes.
Juneau’s forecast until this weekend is for cloudy to rainy conditions, with highs generally around 60 degrees, with clearing skies and a weekend high of about 70 degrees.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at mark.sabbatini@juneauempire.com or (907) 957-2306.
