By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Good morning, sugar. When I say this cold makes tires cry, I am speaking from lived experience and a very real credit card charge. Two weeks ago today, in this same damned freeze, Memaw’s rig caught a flat back tire on Knik Goose Bay Road and is still sitting in the shop, while I pay for a rental car I never asked for and absolutely resent. The mechanics say the tire had a puncture in it, which means somewhere out there is a tiny piece of metal that cost me hundreds of dollars and my dignity.
Huge thanks to Patriot Towing and Recovery for getting my wounded rig safely off the road and to the shop.
So, warm up that engine like it owes you money, drive like the cold is watching, and remember these roads are slick, unforgiving, and fully capable of humbling anyone who gets cute with the gas pedal. Snow may show up later today or tonight just to keep us all honest.
🛣️ Parks Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | -10 to 0 °F | Roads glassy and cold early. Take it slow and keep distance. |
| Afternoon | -4 to 5 °F | Bitter cold hugs the valley all day. Watch for shaded spots staying icy. National Weather Service |
| Evening | -10 to -2 °F | Snow chances picking up late. Lights on and boots in the back seat. National Weather Service |
Memaw says don’t let that cold bite your tailpipe. Black ice likes the Parks first thing and at sunset.
🛣️ Glenn Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 0 to 8 °F | Cold start means slick spots on bridges and overpasses. |
| Afternoon | 2 to 10 °F | Still frosty with sun weak. Snow chances tonight, so fika ready. National Weather Service |
| Evening | -2 to 6 °F | Snow likely after dark. Memaw warns you not to be the last one home without chains. National Weather Service |
The Glenn’s cold grip stays firm. Treat shaded curves like they are greased.
🛣️ Seward Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 5 to 12 °F | Cold, but a bit warmer toward the south. Freeze/thaw makes slush and slick spots. |
| Afternoon | 8 to 14 °F | Snow possible after mid-day. Keep extra following distance. National Weather Service |
| Evening | 4 to 10 °F | Snow likely after dark. Slow and steady wins the day. National Weather Service |
Memaw says if you see white on the windshield, ease up on the throttle and nurse that steering wheel.
🛣️ Sterling Highway (Ninilchick River)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 4 to 12 °F | Morning commute chilly with frost. Clear your headlights. |
| Afternoon | 10 to 16 °F | Snow chances in the later afternoon keep roads changing. National Weather Service |
| Evening | 6 to 12 °F | Likely snow into the night. Traction mats are your friend. National Weather Service |
Out on Sterling early or late, Memaw says pack hot coffee and watch for snow-packed corners.
❄️ Overall Winter Story for Today: Southcentral Alaska is staying deep cold with highs near single digits to low teens and lows well below zero in parts of the Mat-Su and Interior. Snow chances increase later this evening, with slick spots most likely developing around 10 pm and continuing overnight, so late-night and early-morning commuters should be prepared for light accumulations and icy stretches on most routes.
💅
