Morning Update | Parks, Glenn, Seward and Sterling Highways
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
Good morning Alaska. Monday arrives wrapped in holiday calm, but do not let the twinkle fool you. Arctic cold remains firmly in control across Southcentral, keeping pavement icy, bridges slick, and shaded curves especially tricky. Winds have eased compared to the weekend, but temperatures are cold enough that ice holds on all day and refreeze begins quickly after sunset.
This is a slow and steady kind of commute. Roads may look peaceful, but they are still winter roads through and through. Checking 511.alaska.gov before heading out is time well spent.
🚗 Parks Highway (Wasilla and the Mat Su Valley)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Minus teens to low single digits | Extreme cold keeps pavement icy. Intersections and shaded curves are especially slick. |
| Afternoon | Near zero to single digits | Slight improvement, but traction remains limited. Avoid sudden braking. |
| Evening | Falling back below zero | Refreeze sets in quickly after dark. Increase following distance. |
🚙 Glenn Highway (Anchorage to Palmer)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Single digits to low teens | Bridges and trestles are icy. Black ice possible near Eagle River and Knik River crossings. |
| Afternoon | Low teens | Cold pavement stays slick despite daylight. Gusts may still affect handling in open areas. |
| Evening | Near or below zero | Ice spreads quickly after sunset. Slow down early and stay steady. |
🚐 Seward Highway (Turnagain Arm Corridor)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Single digits | Cold pockets near Turnagain Arm and Summit Lake hold ice longer. Watch curves closely. |
| Afternoon | Low teens | Lighter winds, but slick pavement persists. Reduce speed through exposed stretches. |
| Evening | Dropping after dark | Refreeze happens fast. Use headlights early and avoid sudden lane changes. |
🚘 Sterling Highway (Kenai Peninsula)
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Near zero to single digits | Early travel remains slick. Bridges and shaded areas freeze first. |
| Afternoon | Single digits to low teens | Packed snow and icy patches alternate. Expect uneven traction. |
| Evening | Below zero | Hard refreeze develops. Winter tires and patience are essential. |
🌬️ Cold Weather Outlook
The National Weather Service reports this prolonged stretch of colder than average temperatures will continue across much of Southcentral for several more days. Interior valleys remain the coldest, especially where winds are light. Even with calmer conditions, extreme cold alone is enough to keep road surfaces hazardous. Wind chill values remain well below zero at times, particularly in open and elevated areas.
❄️ Memaw’s Holiday Road Wisdom
Check 511.alaska.gov before every trip
Bridges, trestles, and shaded curves refreeze first
Slow down early in the morning and again after sunset
Leave extra space between vehicles
Keep winter gear in the car even for short drives
Dress for extreme cold and let someone know your route 🤶
Memaw’s rule of the road is simple. Slow, steady, and prepared will get you there safe and sound.
💅
