Good morning Alaska and Merry Christmas Eve! 🧑🎄 Southcentral is starting the day cold and quiet, the kind of cold that makes everything look calm and sparkly while the pavement stays slick and stubborn. Sunshine helps visibility today, but temperatures remain well below freezing, keeping ice locked in place on bridges, shaded stretches, and less traveled lanes. Roads may look friendly, but they will not forgive rushing.
Before heading out, checking 511.alaska.gov is still the smartest first step.
🚗 Parks Highway (Wasilla and the Mat Su Valley)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | -3°F to 5°F | Overnight refreeze keeps intersections and curves icy. Ease into braking |
| Afternoon | 8°F to 11°F | Sun improves visibility but traction stays limited. Leave extra room |
| Evening | -2°F to 5°F | Quick refreeze after sunset. Slow down before curves |
🚙 Glenn Highway (Palmer to Anchorage)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | -3°F to 5°F | Black ice likely on bridges and open stretches. Stay steady |
| Afternoon | 8°F to 11°F | Cold pavement remains slick. Smooth steering only |
| Evening | -2°F to 5°F | Darkness hides ice. Reduce speed early |
🚐 Seward Highway (Turnagain Arm Corridor)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | -2°F to 5°F | Coastal moisture creates hidden ice. Watch shaded curves |
| Afternoon | 5°F to 8°F | Narrow lanes stay slick despite sun. Patience matters |
| Evening | -1°F to 5°F | Fast refreeze and icy spray near the Arm. Brake gently |
🚘 Sterling Highway (Kenai Peninsula)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | -3°F to 5°F | Quiet roads still hide ice. Bridges freeze first |
| Afternoon | 8°F to 11°F | Packed snow and slick patches alternate. Expect uneven traction |
| Evening | -2°F to 5°F | Hard refreeze sets in. Slow down and watch for wildlife |
🌬️ Cold and Road Outlook
The National Weather Service reports continued cold air across Southcentral Alaska today. Temperatures remain below freezing all day, allowing ice to persist even under sunshine. Winds stay light, improving visibility, but pavement temperatures remain cold enough for rapid refreeze this evening, especially in interior valleys.
❄️ Memaw’s Holiday Road Wisdom
Memaw says Christmas Eve is no day to rush the ditch.
Check 511.alaska.gov before every trip
Bridges, trestles, and shaded curves refreeze first
Slow down early in the morning and again after sunset
Leave extra space between vehicles
Carry winter gear even for short drives
Let someone know your route before heading out
Memaw’s rule of the road is simple on Christmas Eve. Slow, steady, and prepared gets you home safe to the people waiting for you.
💅
