Interactive Climate Tools

Fairbanks-International-Airport-Average-Wind-Speeds,-1980-2015

Alaska Community Wind Data

See hourly wind data recorded between 1980-2015 for 67 Alaska communities.

For each location, this tool displays “wind rose” graphics showing distributions of wind by speed and direction. The tool also shows average monthly wind speeds for the entire 35-year time span.

Go to Community Wind Data

Utqiaġvik 28 November 2019 Sea Ice Camera Photo at noon
There was very little sea ice this autumn at Utqiaġvik and record low sea ice extent in the Chukchi Sea. Strong west winds on November 28 produced minor coastal flooding that closed roads.

Historical Sea Ice Atlas

See a map of data collected between the mid-1800s and today, to discover how ice extent and concentration have changed—“snapshots” as well as historical trends in Arctic sea ice cover and extent.

Choose a region and time of interest. Simultaneously view multiple sources of historical sea ice data from the ocean off northern Alaska.

Go to the Sea Ice Atlas

screenshot of the temperature index tool

Statewide Temperature Index

This tool presents a statewide temperature index, a simple indicator that balances accessible information on temperature variation with the complexity of Alaska’s climate. Go to the Temperature Index

Past statewide temperature index figures

Looking for past conditions (starting Jan. 1, 2018)? Please check the archive.

The modified maritime climate of Anchorage is not typically conducive to thunderstorm formation. The long-term average is only 1.4 thunderstorms per year. On May 16, 2019, a near record early thunderstorm developed directly over the city of Anchorage and produced heavy rain, hail, and frequent lightning. Several more thunderstorms formed over Anchorage the following two weeks.

Weather & Climate Highlights Map

Weather and climate events in Alaska and surrounding waters, 2007–present

See daily, multi-day, monthly, and longer time scale events are reported by the NOAA National Weather Service and displayed on a map. Events include high and low wind, rain, snow, heat, cold, ice, fire, and flood events.

Go to the Highlights Map