Fairbanks saw record-high weekend temperatures

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU) - On Sunday, the Fairbanks area registered the highest temperature ever recorded for Jan. 12.

At 47 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature stood a full eight degrees higher than the previous record of 39 degrees.

The temperatures recorded were on average 40 degrees higher than is normally seen at this time of year.

The warmth during the day combined with below-freezing conditions at night led to slippery roads and sidewalks with some snow melting on trees and other surfaces.

However, according to Alaska’s News Source Chief Meteorologist Melissa Frey, the record temperatures likely will not last.

The heat was brought in by a warm storm system and strong downsloping winds, but now cooler air will move in from the west.

She explained that as the week goes on, temperatures will drop around 30 degrees. However, that drop will still keep the numbers about 15 degrees above normal.

At the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) campus, the sidewalks were being graveled on Monday in response to slippery conditions.

Freshman Jesse Crane said while the warmer weather is great, he wishes it had come during winter break to make snowboarding easier.

He said colder conditions have led surfaces to be more slippery.

“I’ve definitely had a few close calls,” Crane said.

UAF Junior Lu Syrene said the warmer weather is a mixed bag.

“It’s preferable to -40, but I know that it’s probably due to environmental changes, which are probably not great,” Syrene said.

Syrene said the roads are a little scary at this time.

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