Sunday Morning Update | Parks, Glenn, Sterling and Seward Highways
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
Good morning, travelers. Alaska is holding steady in winter mode today with cold temperatures, strong northeast winds in the Mat-Su Valley, and slick roads that will refreeze quickly after sunset. High winds continue to be the biggest troublemaker, especially on open stretches and for high-profile vehicles. This cold pattern is expected to stick around for several more days, so today is not the day to let your guard down.
Check 511.alaska.gov before you leave and plan extra time. If the roads feel sketchy, Memaw says listen to that instinct.
🚗 Parks Highway (Wasilla and the Mat-Su Valley)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Around 15°F | Strong northeast winds may cause drifting snow. Watch for slick spots on bridges and open stretches. |
| Afternoon | Highs near 17°F | Gusty crosswinds can affect steering. Slow down and leave extra following distance. |
| Evening | Falling into single digits | Roads refreeze quickly after dark. Blowing snow may reduce visibility. Travel only if necessary. |
🚙 Glenn Highway (Anchorage to Palmer)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Low teens | Black ice possible on shaded pavement and overpasses. Take it slow early. |
| Afternoon | Around 13°F | Compact snow and icy patches remain. Expect changing conditions near trestles. |
| Evening | Dropping below 10°F | Refreeze likely after sunset. Reduce speed and stay alert for sudden slick spots. |
🚐 Seward Highway (Turnagain Arm Corridor)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Single digits to low teens | Strong winds near Turnagain Arm can push vehicles. Watch for blowing snow. |
| Afternoon | Near 10°F | Conditions can change quickly on curves and coastal sections. Stay focused. |
| Evening | Falling into single digits | Icy patches increase after dark. Use headlights and slow your pace. |
🚘 Sterling Highway (Kenai Peninsula)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Teens to single digits | Bridges and shaded curves are slick. Reduce speed early. |
| Afternoon | Near 12°F | Alternating wet and icy pavement possible. Follow plows at a safe distance. |
| Evening | Near or below 0°F | Ice forms quickly after sundown. Winter tires are strongly recommended. |
🌬️ Wind and Cold Outlook
High winds continue across the Mat-Su Valley today with gusts strong enough to blow loose snow back onto roadways, even after plowing. Wind chills remain well below zero, and exposed skin can be affected quickly.
There is no major warmup on the horizon. Forecasts show this cold pattern holding through at least early next week, with hard freezes each night and limited daytime warming. That means icy mornings, slick evenings, and winter driving conditions remaining the norm.
❄️ Memaw’s Holiday Road Wisdom
- Check 511.alaska.gov before every trip
- Slow down and expect refreeze after dark
- Carry warm clothing, a phone charger, and basic winter gear
- If winds pick up or visibility drops, it is okay to delay travel
💅
