Graphics
Regularly updated charts and maps of Alaska weather and climate, including temperatures, sea ice, and more. All graphics are available for downloading and sharing.
Air temperature
Historical analyses, spatial trends, and changes in extremes
Temperatures in Alaska and the Arctic are rising twice as fast as other parts of the U.S. and—except for sea ice—are the most obvious signs of change. Why? The main reasons are decreases in sea ice and snow cover, warming oceans, and increasing greenhouse gases. Of course, variability exists day-to-day and even year-to-year, depending on average storm tracks, but the trends are unmistakable.
Sea ice
Updates on ice extent, ice thickness, plus historical analyses
Sea ice plays a profound role in the climate, environment, and economies of Alaska. Nothing in the Alaska environment is changing faster than sea ice. Sea ice moderates regional temperatures and moisture, determines the structure of the marine food web, and shapes what people can or can’t do: from subsistence hunting and travel to resource extraction and national security.
Sea surface temperature
Current conditions and longer time period perspectives
Alaska is effectively a very large peninsula. It's surrounded by oceans on three sides, with more than 20% of Alaska land within 25 miles of salt water. As a result, the oceans play an major role in the climate and economies of Alaska: what happens in the oceans does not stay in the oceans.
Other weather and climate graphics
Current conditions, changes in extremes, and long time period perspectives. Topics include rain and snow, storminess, and wildfires.