🌤️ What’s in the air & on the pavement today
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
🌨️ Hour‑by‑Hour Weather + Road Sense Forecast
| Hour | Temp (°F) / Conditions* | What that means for the road & your commute (Memaw’s advice) |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00–5:00 a.m. | ~ 31 °F and mixed precipitation: snow, sleet or freezing rain likely. Weather Underground+1 | Roads may be slick, especially bridges/overpasses and ramps. Leave earlier than usual if you must go. No rush, drive slow, treat pavement like ice. |
| 6:00–8:00 a.m. | ~ 31 °F and snow or freezing‑rain lingering, then likely shifting toward slush or mixed precipitation. Weather Underground+1 | Early‑morning commute: slippery start. Clear off all snow/ice from car, keep lights on, and give extra following distance. |
| 9:00–11:00 a.m. | ~ 31–32 °F and precipitation tapering, possibly lighter snow/sleet or occasional flurries. Weather Underground+1 | Pavement may still be wet or slushy; shaded or less‑sunny roads could hide icy patches. Drive with care, especially on side streets, ramps, or turns. |
| 12:00–2:00 p.m. | ~ 32–33 °F and mostly cloudy to partly cloudy, maybe a bit of sunshine breaking through. | Daytime mildness might help melt some slush, but beware of refreeze later. Watch for wet‑to‑icy transitions if temps drop. |
| 3:00–5:00 p.m. | ~ 33–34 °F and partly cloudy, light breeze possible. | Afternoon commute should be easier, but still expect slush, wet patches, or leftover snow. Slow down, especially on curves or near intersections. |
| Evening (after 6:00 p.m.) | ~ 31–32 °F and near freezing; any water/slush from earlier may begin to refreeze as temperatures drop. | Night driving = tricky. Use low beams and reduce speed. Bridges, rural roads, and shaded spots likely to glaze over. Treat everything as potential ice. |
*Hourly conditions derived from the current National Weather Service (NWS) Winter Weather Advisory covering Anchorage and the Mat‑Su Valley (mixed snow, freezing rain, and sleet overnight) Weather Underground+1
🛣️ Corridor‑Specific Commute Outlook
Glenn Highway
- As of now, there are no official closures or alerts flagged on Alaska 511 for this corridor. Alaska 511+1
- That said, given the overnight/early‑morning mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain, expect slick ramps, curves, and shaded segments.
- Memaw’s tip: If you’re heading out early, check the 511 cameras for the Glenn (especially near Eagle River/Mat‑Su junctions), and go easy on acceleration, braking, and turns.
Parks Highway
- Also no active alerts at the moment. Alaska 511+1
- But with valley‑wide winter weather, sections may be wet, slushy or glazed over, especially near overpasses or shaded rural stretches.
- Memaw’s tip: Keep your distance, especially on curves or ramps. Bridges and overpasses freeze first. Treat them as if they’re already iced over.
Sterling Highway
- No reported incidents or closures right now. Alaska 511+1
- Mixed precipitation over the valley could leave segments slick, slushy, or icy, particularly at lower‑traffic or rural stretches outside plowed zones.
- Memaw’s tip: Avoid high speeds. Slush can hide ice, and rural stretches may not get immediate winter maintenance. Travel only if necessary and leave extra time.
Seward Highway (incl. Hillside / Turnagain Arm / coastal & mountain stretches)
- No active statewide alert or closure in effect currently. Alaska 511+1
- But coastal/mountain corridors tend to hang onto moisture. After the overnight mix and near‑freezing temps, expect potential slickness, especially on curves, coastal slopes, and shaded passes.
- Memaw’s tip: Use 511’s camera views (Portage, Bird Point, Huffman Road, etc.) before you head out. Slow down on curves, avoid sudden braking or steering. treat roads like ice till proven otherwise.
👵 Memaw’s Winter‑Driving Survival Advice (Corridor Edition)
- Check 511 (or 511 app) before you go. Not just for alerts, but live‑camera views, surface conditions, and recent reports. Alaska 511+1
- Clear all snow/ice from your car: windows, mirrors, roof, lights before driving. Visibility and safety matter more than speed. Alaska 511+1
- Slow down & increase following distance. Posted speed limits assume dry pavement. In winter mix, you’ve got to treat them like LIMITS, not suggestions. Alaska DOT&PF+1
- Be extra careful on bridges, overpasses, shaded curves, and rural stretches. They ice up first and thaw last. Alaska 511+1
- Don’t crowd snowplows, and give maintenance crews space. Often they’re clearing the way. Let them do their job safely. Alaska DOT&PF+1
- Have a winter‑kit ready in your car. Blanket, ice scraper, shovel, extra clothes. Make sure you’re ready for delays or emergencies.(Memaw’s personal tip: Use the bathroom before you hit the highway.) Alaska 511+1
- Plan extra time. With snow, ice, slush, and potential refreeze later tonight it’sbetter to leave early and show up safe than try to race time.
Safe Travels and Happy Monday, everyone!
đź’…
