By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for parts of Southcentral Alaska, including the Lower Matanuska Valley, warning of prolonged cold and gusty winds that could pose a moderate threat to life or property if precautions are not taken.
According to the NWS, colder than average temperatures combined with gusty northerly winds are expected to persist for several more days as Arctic air continues to build over the region. Strong winds will be most pronounced through mountain gaps and passes, including Broad Pass, Thompson Pass, Resurrection Bay, Passage Canal, and the Matanuska Valley.
Air temperatures are forecast to range from the negative teens to the teens above zero, with the coldest conditions expected in interior valleys and areas where winds briefly relax. Where winds remain strong, wind chill values could drop to 10 to 20 degrees below zero, and possibly even colder near Thompson Pass.
The National Weather Service urges travelers and those spending time outdoors to use caution, wear appropriate cold weather clothing, and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. This statement went into effect Monday evening at 7:15 PM AKST and emphasizes taking action promptly as conditions develop.
Drivers should expect:
- Increased risk of frostbite with exposed skin
- Blowing snow reducing visibility in windy corridors
- Persistent icy road conditions with little daytime thaw
For the latest updates, the NWS advises staying tuned to weather.gov/AFC.
