By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
Rise and shine, sweetheart. It is another cold Southcentral morning with cloudy skies and temperatures dancing right around freezing. That means one thing. If the road looks fine, it probably isn’t. So let’s get you ready for the drive.
🌤️ Today’s Weather
NOAA and Weather.com show temps in the mid-20s to low-30s from Mat-Su through Anchorage and along the major highway corridors. Clouds linger all day, keeping pavement cold and primed for slick patches and black ice.
Troopers and local police have not reported major incidents yet, but with these temps, conditions can shift in the blink of an eye. Keep Alaska 511 handy for live updates.
📋 All-Day Weather and Driving Tips
| Time of Day | Weather and Temps | Road Conditions to Watch | Memaw’s Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Morning | Cloudy, 24 to 28 degrees | Frost and black ice on bridges and shaded areas | Warm up the car and roll out like the road is trying to fool you. |
| Late Morning | Cloudy, 27 to 29 degrees | Hidden icy stretches on hills and dips | Gentle gas, gentle brakes. Treat your cargo like a wedding cake. |
| Midday | Cloudy, around 31 degrees | Melt and refreeze spots | Shiny pavement means ice grinning at you. Take it slow. |
| Afternoon | Cloudy, high 20s | Glare ice as sun stays low | Wear sunglasses and glide into those stops. |
| Evening | Back to mid-20s | Ice reforming quickly | Roads get slick fast. Pretend you’re walking on butter. |
| All Day | Freezing and cloudy | Black ice anywhere in Southcentral | Winter tires, clean lights, and patience. Give every car space. |
🛣️ HIGHWAY SECTIONS FOR 511 IMAGES
🚗 Parks Highway (Hwy 3)
Expect early morning slickness with cold pavement and shaded stretches staying icy. Bridges may be especially tricky from Meadow Lakes through the canyon area.
Memaw says: “If you think you can take those curves at summer speed, think again. Slow yourself down and let that ice know you mean business.”
🚗 Glenn Highway (Hwy 1)
From the Palmer Hay Flats into Anchorage, black ice can pop up anywhere. Watch the bridges, low spots, and the colder stretch approaching Muldoon.
Memaw says: “That road may look dry, but don’t you trust it. Ease into the commute like you’re balancing a cup of hot cocoa.”
🚗 Seward Highway
Coastal moisture, shade, and low winter sun make this highway especially sneaky. Expect icy patches along Turnagain Arm and the sweeps near Girdwood.
Memaw says: “Those pretty mountain shadows are hiding ice. Tap your brakes like you are touching a sleeping baby.”
🚗 Sterling Highway
Conditions will vary from Soldotna to Cooper Landing and the higher elevations. Cold pavement and curves mean ice can form anywhere.
Memaw says: “If the trees block the sun, assume the road is slick. Give yourself time and take your sweet time.”
☕ Wrap-Up
Alright, sweetheart, that’s your morning check-in. Today is one of those days where slow and patient wins every time. Keep Alaska 511 close, drive like someone you love is in the car with you, and remember that arriving a few minutes late is better than sliding into somebody’s bumper.
Now grab your coffee, warm up the car, and take good care out there.
💅
