Cold temperatures, high winds and clear skies will define the Christmas weekend, according to forecasts and a special weather statement from the National Weather Service.
Strong northerly winds throughout Friday are expected, as another round of Arctic air moves over Southcentral Alaska. Those winds are expected to peak in the afternoon and diminish into Saturday. The areas experiencing the most bluster will be those west of Soldotna, from Nikiski to Anchor Point.
High winds combined with the recently fallen snow may lead to significant blowing and drifting snow and affect visibility for drivers. The strong winds may also cause a wind chill of -10 to -20 below zero, the weather service said.
Temperatures are expected to improve on Christmas Day, with a high of 16 degrees around Soldotna and Kenai. Sunday night there will be a chance of snow.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
