By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
🌞 Good morning, Sunshine! We’ve had one of those classic January mood swings here in Southcentral. Snow returning and road crews still working on our most recent winter mess. Conditions remain variable with packed snow and slick spots likely on every major route. Drive slow, watch the grader tails, and keep an eye on 511 for live updates before you take off this morning.
🚙 Parks Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temp (°F) | Lo Temp (°F) | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | ~15°F | ~5°F | Packed snow and ice likely; studs highly recommended | High |
| Afternoon | ~18°F | ~9°F | Graders still working; slush where sun hits | Moderate |
| Evening | ~14°F | ~8°F | Drop in temps refreezes slush; slickest period | High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:31 AM Sunset ~4:49 PM | Watch glare ice on bridges/overpasses | High | |
| Aurora Forecast | Kp ~4 (minor geomagnetic activity) — faint aurora possible late night | Aurora visible only if skies clear | Low-Moderate |
🚙 Glenn Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temp (°F) | Lo Temp (°F) | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | ~14°F | ~6°F | Slippery stretches and drifting snow possible | High |
| Afternoon | ~17°F | ~10°F | Snowpack remains; sluggish melting | Moderate |
| Evening | ~13°F | ~7°F | Ice re-forms quickly post-sunset | High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:31 AM Sunset ~4:49 PM | Slow down on shaded hills | High | |
| Aurora Forecast | Kp ~4 — weak geomagnetic activity: aurora may be faint/no show | Best chance if clear skies after 10 PM | Low-Moderate |
🚐 Seward Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temp (°F) | Lo Temp (°F) | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | ~16°F | ~7°F | Packed snow likely; black ice midday | Moderate |
| Afternoon | ~19°F | ~11°F | Warmer temps could create slush in some sections | Moderate |
| Evening | ~15°F | ~9°F | Re-freeze after sunset | Moderate-High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:31 AM Sunset ~4:49 PM | Watch turning lanes and shade patches | Moderate | |
| Aurora Forecast | Kp ~4 — minor geomagnetic activity | If clear, look north late night | Low-Moderate |
🚚 Sterling Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temp (°F) | Lo Temp (°F) | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | ~13°F | ~4°F | Icy shoulders and drifts possible | High |
| Afternoon | ~17°F | ~10°F | Snowpack remnant; watch for melting/reporting temps | Moderate |
| Evening | ~12°F | ~7°F | Cold surface refreezes moisture | High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:31 AM Sunset ~4:49 PM | Slow down near curves | High | |
| Aurora Forecast | Kp ~4 — likely weak aurora signals | Try darker pullouts after 10 PM | Low-Moderate |
🚗 Knik Goose Bay Road & South Clapp / West Fairview Loop
| Time of Day | Hi Temp (°F) | Lo Temp (°F) | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | ~17°F | ~8°F | Residential roads may not be fully plowed yet | Moderate |
| Afternoon | ~19°F | ~11°F | Some melting followed by refreeze triggers slick spots | Moderate |
| Evening | ~14°F | ~9°F | Patchy icy spots on side streets | Moderate-High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:31 AM Sunset ~4:49 PM | Watch shaded intersections | Moderate-High | |
| Aurora Forecast | Kp ~4 — faint signals at best | Clouds may reduce viewing chance | Low-Moderate |
👵 Memaw’s Parting Words
Alright sweetie, listen real close: everywhere you go today you’re likely to hit snowpack that’s been rolled and packed down hard, and every puddle that melts will turn to slick ice once that sun dips. Take your time, don’t crowd the plows, and keep extra distance on downhill grades. There’s beauty in the winter sun and a price on the road for rushing. Keep your eyes open and your foot light. 😘
💅
