Memaw’s Arctic Roll for Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Good morning, Alaska! 🇺🇸💅

It’s Veterans Day, and before Memaw gets behind the wheel, let’s take a moment to salute the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. Some served overseas, some served at home, and all deserve our gratitude. Today, I’m also bringing you a little something extra: a roundup of Southcentral restaurants saying thank you with free meals and special offers for our veterans and active-duty military. Because a hot meal and a heartfelt thank-you are a pretty good way to start the day.

Now, about that commute. We’re hovering around freezing in much of Southcentral, and the roads deserve your respect. Anchorage and Wasilla are starting the morning damp and chilly. The Kenai Peninsula is dealing with rain, fog, and stronger winds, while snow is working its way into tonight’s forecast. And if Mother Nature cooperates, there’s a little northern lights possibility waiting after dark.

So grab your coffee, give those headlights a good look, and let’s get rolling. Memaw has the 411 before somebody turns a slippery stretch of pavement into a 911 call! 💅🚗💨

🚦 Daily Verdict: Freezing Rain, Black Ice & A Slippery Southcentral Morning

• Roads: Near-freezing pavement around Anchorage and Wasilla, with wet conditions toward the Kenai Peninsula. Shaded stretches may be slick, and freezing rain is creating dangerous ice on the Seward Highway.
• Traffic: Alaska 511 reports VERY DIFFICULT conditions on the Seward Highway from MP 45 through MP 75. If you’re heading south, check conditions before leaving and reconsider whether your trip can wait.
• Sky: Mostly cloudy across much of Southcentral, with rain toward Seward and snow possible overnight farther north.
• Headlights: Turn them on! With low visibility, precipitation and changing road conditions, keep your headlights on so you can see the road and other drivers can see you. Don’t rely on daytime running lights alone.

⚠️ Mat-Su Watch

Wasilla, Palmer and surrounding roads: Near-Freezing Morning Conditions

• Current Wasilla observation: 27°F at 3:56 a.m.
• Conditions: A few clouds, 85% humidity, calm wind.
• Today’s forecast: Mostly cloudy, high 36°F.
• Tonight: Snow possible after 3 a.m., low 29°F, 40% precipitation chance.

💅 Reality check: The temperature is below freezing this morning. Damp pavement, bridges, shaded intersections and untreated surfaces deserve extra attention. Don’t let a little sunshine or a wet-looking road fool you.

⚠️ Southcentral Watch (Anchorage Bowl & Hillside)

Anchorage Bowl – Damp Pavement and Near-Freezing Temperatures

• Status: Light rain observed at Merrill Field, 30°F.
• When: Morning commute and again overnight.
• Where it hits: Anchorage Bowl, shaded roads, bridges and elevated surfaces.
• Why: Temperatures are hovering around freezing, with a chance of rain and snow tonight.

⚠️ Seward Highway Ice Emergency

VERY DIFFICULT

Freezing rain is creating treacherous driving conditions on the Seward Highway from MP 45 through MP 75, including the Hope Y area. Alaska 511 reports black ice, ice buildup, ice glaze and wet, icy pavement across all three sections.

Last updated: 5:59 a.m., November 11.

Snow removal equipment is also on the roadway. Drivers are warned to turn on headlights, reduce speed and stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows.

💅 Memaw’s warning: This isn’t ordinary winter driving. Freezing rain and black ice are a dangerous combination. If your plans take you south, check Alaska 511 before leaving and seriously consider whether the trip can wait.

🚗✨ Anchorage City Commute

NWS Anchorage / Merrill Field reference forecast

Official NWS forecast: high 34°F, low 30°F. Current observation: 30°F with light rain at 3:53 a.m.

Time of Day	Hi Temperatures (°F)	Lo Temperatures (°F)	Driving Tips	Road Risk Level
Morning	32	30	Damp pavement, possible slick spots on bridges and shaded intersections	🟡 Moderate
Afternoon	34	30	Mostly cloudy; watch for wet pavement and changing surface conditions	🟡 Moderate
Evening	34	30	Rain/snow possible before midnight; snow chance increases overnight	🟡 Moderate

Sunrise: 8:55 a.m.
Sunset: 4:31 p.m.

Aurora Forecast for Tonight: Low activity, Kp 1–2 overnight. Cloud cover is likely to interfere with viewing.

Anchorage driving reminders:

• Leave extra room between vehicles.
• Watch shaded intersections and bridges.
• Don’t assume wet pavement is free of ice.
• Turn on headlights in rain, fog and reduced visibility.
• Give pedestrians extra room, especially in dark clothing.

🚙✨ Parks Highway

Wasilla reference forecast | Official NWS high 36°F, low 27°F currently observed, with tonight’s forecast low 29°F.

Time of Day	Hi Temperatures (°F)	Lo Temperatures (°F)	Driving Tips	Road Risk Level
Morning	32	27	Below-freezing start; watch bridges, shaded pavement and intersections	🟡 Moderate
Afternoon	36	27	Mostly cloudy; pavement may remain damp	🟡 Moderate
Evening	33	29	Snow possible after 3 a.m.; prepare for changing conditions	🟡 Moderate

Sunrise: 8:56 a.m. (Wasilla)
Sunset: 4:26 p.m.

Aurora Forecast for Tonight: Kp 1–2, low activity. Cloudy skies are unfavorable for viewing.

Roadwork: A Parks Highway MP 319–322 reconstruction listing appeared in the available roadwork snapshot. Crews and equipment may be present Monday through Saturday, with pilot-car operations and short delays. This is a separate, more northerly project, not an Anchorage-area commute alert.

Driving reminder: Don’t let the afternoon temperature convince you that every shaded stretch has thawed. Keep your distance and watch for slick spots.

🚙✨ Glenn Highway

Palmer and Anchorage corridor | NWS forecasts range from 34°F in Anchorage to 36°F in Wasilla.

Time of Day	Hi Temperatures (°F)	Lo Temperatures (°F)	Driving Tips	Road Risk Level
Morning	32	27	Damp, near-freezing conditions; watch elevated surfaces	🟡 Moderate
Afternoon	36	27	Mostly cloudy; allow room for sudden stops	🟡 Moderate
Evening	33	29	Snow possible overnight, particularly toward the Mat-Su	🟡 Moderate

Sunrise: 8:53 a.m. (Palmer)
Sunset: 4:25 p.m.

Aurora Forecast for Tonight: Kp 1–2. Cloud cover is the bigger obstacle than moonlight.

Roadwork: The available 511 roadwork snapshot reports Glenn Highway bridge deck preservation work as complete. Watch for trucks watering the medians near the Peters Creek and Knik River bridges.

Driving reminder: Keep your eyes on the pavement, not just the vehicle ahead. Water, freezing temperatures and changing road surfaces can make stopping distances unpredictable.

🛻✨ Seward Highway: Freezing Rain, Black Ice and Very Difficult Driving

VERY DIFFICULT | FREEZING RAIN

This is the highway to take seriously this morning. Alaska 511 is reporting very difficult driving conditions across three consecutive sections of the Seward Highway, from MP 45 through MP 75, including the Hope Y area.

Black ice, ice buildup, ice glaze and wet, icy pavement are reported throughout all three sections. Freezing rain is contributing to the hazardous conditions, and snow removal equipment is on the roadway.

Alaska 511 Road Conditions

Highway section	Overall status	Surface conditions	Atmospheric conditions
MP 45–56	Very difficult	Black ice, ice buildup, ice glaze, wet and icy roads	Freezing rain
Hope Y–MP 67	Very difficult	Black ice, ice buildup, ice glaze, wet and icy roads	Freezing rain
MP 67–75	Very difficult	Black ice, ice buildup, ice glaze, wet and icy roads	Freezing rain

All three reports last updated November 11, 2026, at 5:59 a.m.

What Drivers Need to Know

Alaska 511 is warning motorists to:

• Be prepared for winter driving.
• Drive with headlights on.
• Reduce speed.
• Expect slippery road surfaces.
• Watch for snow removal equipment on the roadway.
• Stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows.

Seward Highway Forecast

Time of Day	Hi Temperatures (°F)	Lo Temperatures	Driving Tips	Road Risk Level
Morning	42°F	35°F	Freezing rain and ice reported farther north along the highway. Allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary trips.	🔴 🔴 Very High
Afternoon	42°F	35°F	Rain and gusty north winds are forecast. Watch for changing pavement conditions.	🔴 High
Evening	42°F	35°F	Rain is expected to continue, with temperatures falling overnight. Watch for refreezing.	🔴 High

Forecast temperatures are for Seward, not every point along the highway. The 511 road reports above are the current reported conditions for the three identified sections.

Sunrise: 8:47 a.m.
Sunset: 4:35 p.m.
Daylight: 7 hours, 49 minutes

💅 Memaw’s Road Reality Check: Don’t let a calendar date convince you the highway is safe. Freezing rain and black ice don’t care what the thermometer says. Check Alaska 511 before heading out, slow down, and give those plow crews plenty of room. 💅Keep both hands on the wheel in exposed areas. Watch for wind gusts, water on the roadway and reduced visibility.

🚙✨ Sterling Highway

Kenai reference forecast | NWS high 35°F, low 28°F currently observed.

Time of Day	Hi Temperatures (°F)	Lo Temperatures (°F)	Driving Tips	Road Risk Level
Morning	33	28	Cloudy; watch damp pavement and shaded areas	🟡 Moderate
Afternoon	35	28	Cloudy, with light winds; watch for changing precipitation	🟡 Moderate
Evening	33	30	Rain possible before 9 p.m.; rain and snow likely later	🟡 Moderate

Sunrise: 8:57 a.m. (Kenai)
Sunset: 4:40 p.m.

Aurora Forecast for Tonight: Kp 1–2. Clouds and precipitation are likely to limit visibility.

Roadwork: The available roadwork snapshot reports Sterling Highway MP 45–47 work shutting down for the winter season. Watch for equipment entering and leaving the project corridor. No scheduled traffic impacts were listed for December through February.

Driving reminder: Don’t let the warmer coastal temperatures fool you. Conditions can change as you travel between communities.

🛻✨ Knik Goose Bay Road

Knik and Wasilla reference forecasts | Wasilla NWS high 36°F, low 29°F tonight.

Time of Day	Hi Temperatures (°F)	Lo Temperatures (°F)	Driving Tips	Road Risk Level
Morning	32	27	Watch for slick spots on shaded pavement and intersections	🟡 Moderate
Afternoon	36	27	Mostly cloudy; calm conditions, but damp pavement remains a concern	🟡 Moderate
Evening	33	29	Snow possible after 3 a.m.; watch for changing road surfaces	🟡 Moderate

Sunrise: 8:56 a.m. (Knik)
Sunset: 4:28 p.m.

Aurora Forecast for Tonight: Kp 1–2. Cloud cover may prevent viewing.

Driving reminder: Slow down on curves and give yourself room to stop. A little moisture at these temperatures deserves respect.

🌌 Tonight’s Northern Lights Forecast

Low Aurora Activity

Kp 1–2

UAF Geophysical Institute forecast for the overnight period

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute forecast calls for low auroral activity on Wednesday, November 11.

Alaska Time	Forecast Kp
3–6 a.m.	1
6–9 a.m.	2
9 a.m.–noon	2
Noon–3 p.m.	3
3–6 p.m.	3
6–9 p.m.	2
9 p.m.–midnight	2

What does that mean for Southcentral?

At Kp 1–2, don’t expect a spectacular overhead display. If activity cooperates and skies clear, a faint aurora may be visible low on the northern horizon.

The UAF forecast specifically notes that low-level displays could be visible overhead farther north, from Utqiaġvik to Fairbanks, and potentially low on the northern horizon as far south as Anchorage and Juneau.

🌚 And, there’s a little help from the moon!

November 11 is just after the New Moon. The moon is only a thin waxing crescent, with very little illumination. That means considerably less moonlight competing with faint auroral colors.

One catch: clouds. Anchorage’s forecast calls for cloudy skies, with a chance of snow overnight. Wasilla also has a snow chance after 3 a.m. So even with a darker sky, cloud cover could spoil the show.

My advice? Check the sky again later tonight. The aurora doesn’t punch a time clock, and neither should you if the clouds finally cooperate.

Sources: UAF Geophysical Institute Aurora Forecast and NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. Geophysical Institute+1

🇺🇸 Veterans Day: A Meal and a Thank-You

Veterans Day 2026: Free Meals and Special Offers in Southcentral Alaska

Restaurants across Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley are marking Veterans Day with complimentary meals, food and drinks, along with special offers for those who have served and those currently serving. Here’s a look at what’s available locally, including participating locations and details for each offer.

Offers may require military identification or other proof of service. Participation can vary by location, so call ahead before making a special trip.

➡️ Golden Corral: Anchorage

4520 Union Square Drive, Anchorage

Golden Corral is hosting its 26th annual Military Appreciation Night on November 11, beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until closing. Veterans, retired military, active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members can receive a free buffet dinner and beverage. Dine-in only.

Golden Corral Veterans Day announcement

➡️ Chili’s; Anchorage

800 E. Dimond Blvd., Anchorage

Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only at participating locations.

Chili’s Veterans Day offer

➡️ Hacienda Mexican Restaurant: Wasilla and Anchorage

• 1781 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla
• 6307 DeBarr Road, Suite G, Anchorage

Hacienda is offering veterans a free large Wet Burrito all day November 11. The offer is available for dine-in or carryout, with proof of military service. One per person.

Hacienda promotions and events

➡️ Denny’s: Anchorage

3950 DeBarr Road, Anchorage

Active-duty and retired military members can receive a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. until noon on November 11 at participating locations. A valid military ID or DD214 is required.

Denny’s Veterans Day announcement

➡️ IHOP: Wasilla and Anchorage

Participating locations include:

• 1890 E. Parks Highway, Wasilla
• 1106 N. Muldoon Road, Anchorage
• 501 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage
• 11100 Old Seward Highway, Anchorage

Veterans can receive a free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo, which includes pancakes, eggs, hash browns and bacon or sausage.

IHOP Veterans Day offer

➡️ Little Caesars: Wasilla and Anchorage

Participating locations include:

• 425 W. Parks Highway, Wasilla
• 751 E. Loop Road, Anchorage
• 5437 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage
• 500 E. Benson Blvd., Anchorage
• 2001 E. 88th Avenue, Suite 102B, Anchorage

Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free HOT-N-READY lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 11. The combo includes four slices of Detroit-style Deep Dish pepperoni pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi product.

Little Caesars Veterans Day offer

➡️ Outback Steakhouse; Anchorage

101 W. 34th Avenue, Anchorage

On November 10 and 11, veterans and active-duty military members can receive a complimentary Bloomin’ Onion and a Coke beverage or a 16-ounce domestic draft beer through the Military Mates offer. Dine-in only. No Dine Rewards enrollment is required.

Outback Military Mates offer

➡️ RA Sushi; Anchorage

1231 E. Dimond Blvd., Anchorage

From November 9 through 11, veterans, active-duty military members and reservists can receive a free select entrée with the purchase of any starter. Valid identification is required. Gold Star families receive one entrée per family member with each starter.

RA Sushi Veterans Day offer

➡️ Red Robin: Wasilla and Anchorage

Participating locations include:

• 1891 E. Parks Highway, Wasilla
• 1190 N. Muldoon Road, Anchorage
• 401 E. Dimond Blvd., Anchorage

Veterans and military members can receive a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger with fries on November 11. Dine-in only.

Red Robin Veterans Day offer

➡️ Smashburger: Wasilla and Anchorage

• 1541 E. Parks Highway, Wasilla
• 317 W. 104th Avenue, Anchorage

Active-duty military members and veterans can receive one free Single All-American Smash or Americana Big Dog on November 11. The offer is available in restaurant at participating U.S. locations. Valid military or veteran identification is required.

Smashburger is also offering a 25% discount through December 31, 2026, to U.S. military members, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, doctors and nurses.

Smashburger Local Hero offer

➡️ Starbucks: Wasilla and Anchorage

Participating locations throughout the area are offering veterans, military service members and military spouses one free tall brewed coffee, hot or iced, on November 11. The offer is limited to one per customer per visit and is available in the café or drive-through. Cold Brew, Nitro and customizations are excluded.

Starbucks military community announcement

➡️ Texas Roadhouse: Anchorage

• 1154 N. Muldoon Road, Anchorage
• 9001 Old Seward Highway, Anchorage

On November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., veterans and active-duty military members can receive vouchers for a meal. Vouchers can be redeemed through May 31, 2027. Proof of service, such as a military or VA card or discharge papers, is required.

Texas Roadhouse location information

➡️ Wendy’s: Wasilla and Anchorage

Participating locations throughout the area are offering veterans and active-duty military members a free Dave’s Single on November 11. No purchase is required. The offer is limited to one per person, and customers must state their eligibility when ordering.

Wendy’s Veterans Day announcement

💖 One more offer to know about: Smashburger also advertises a 25% discount on in-restaurant orders for military personnel, firefighters, police, EMTs, doctors and nurses through December 31, 2026, at participating locations. Its separate Veterans Day free-item offer is listed above.

💅 A note from Memaw: Restaurant participation, inventory and individual location policies can change. Call ahead if you’re making a special trip. And please, don’t let a free meal turn into a long drive on questionable roads.

🇺🇸 Memaw’s Veterans Day Message

To every veteran, every active-duty service member, every military family, and every Gold Star family: today is about more than a day off, a parade, or a restaurant special.

It’s about the sacrifices made by people who answered a call to serve, and the families who stood behind them.

Some came home. Some didn’t. Some are still carrying things most of us will never fully understand.

If you know a veteran, take a minute today. Say thank you. Listen to their story. Buy them a cup of coffee if you can.

And to those who served: America owes you more than one day of appreciation. Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸❤️

💅 Memaw’s Parting Words

Well, my friends, today’s forecast has a little bit of everything: damp pavement, coastal rain, a chance of snow, and maybe a little northern lights magic if those clouds decide to cooperate.

But before you get too busy watching the weather, remember what day it is.

Take time to thank a veteran. If you’re eligible for one of today’s restaurant specials, enjoy that meal. You’ve earned our gratitude, and then some.

And to everybody heading out on Southcentral’s highways, don’t be in such a hurry that you forget what’s underneath your tires. Wet pavement and freezing temperatures make a mighty poor combination.

Memaw wants you home safely, with all your bumpers, mirrors and fenders still attached!

Until tomorrow, keep your headlights bright, your coffee hot, your eyes on the road and your gratitude close to your heart.

Happy Veterans Day, Alaska!

💅🇺🇸🚗💨

Forecasts from NOAA, the National Weather Service, and Alaska 511. Reality checks from Memaw. Both are subject to change without notice. 💖

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Today’s reporting sources

• National Weather Service Anchorage
• NWS Anchorage Forecast DiscussionNational Weather Service+1
• Alaska 511 Live Road ConditionsAlaska 511+1
• UAF Geophysical Institute Aurora ForecastGeophysical Institute
• NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
• Time and Date: Anchorage Sunrise and SunsetTime and Date+3
• Veteran.com: Veterans Day Discounts, Deals and Free Meals

💅✨

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