Alaska Temperature Hits 85 Degrees, Triggering First Heat Warming

The temperature in Fairbanks, Alaska, hit 85 degrees, which is hot even by the standards of the lower 48 states. It is closer to Hawaii’s temperatures. This has caused the National Weather Service to issue the first heat warming ever posted in America’s largest state based on square miles. 

According to The New York Times, this week is the first time it has issued a “heat advisory” for the state. The language used was “special weather statement.” That was not strong enough to warn residents about the potential danger of the temperature. Added to the problem of the heat is that very few people in Alaska have air conditioning. 

Parts of the US are at least partially prepared for extremely hot weather, although that preparation has started to falter. It will be over 100 degrees, and perhaps 110 degrees, in Phoenix and Las Vegas. Each city is fully air-conditioned, but that does not mean people can spend extended periods outside. 

Areas of the world where heat was not a hazard now have to worry about extreme heat conditions. This is true in parts of Europe and the Arctic. 

Alaka’s heat this week is a canary in a coal mine. The state will get hotter and hotter earlier than in years past. It will also need to adapt quickly.

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