By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Memaw here, hollering from the end of the driveway with a mug of coffee and a weather eye that has seen some things. If you are headed out today, listen up. Winter is not playing nice and the roads sure are not either. This is your no nonsense, plain truth commute rundown, served warm and meant to keep you upright, unbent, and out of the ditch. Slow your roll, trust your instincts, and remember. Getting there late beats not getting there at all.
🚗 Parks Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | -10°F to 5°F | Powdery snow will blow around easy. Take it slow and leave extra room. If you cannot see the taillights ahead, you are too close. |
| Afternoon | -5°F to 10°F | Snow may ease a bit but roads stay slick. Keep speeds steady and avoid sudden lane changes. |
| Evening | -10°F to 0°F | Blowing snow returns with colder temps. Watch for drifting in open areas and do not outrun your headlights. |
🛣️ Glenn Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | -5°F to 10°F | Snow and reduced visibility likely. Bridges and ramps will be slicker than they look. Slow down, sweetheart. |
| Afternoon | 5°F to 15°F | Brief lull possible but snow packed roads remain. Increase following distance and expect delays near Eagle River and Mat-Su. |
| Evening | 0°F to 10°F | Another round of snow moves in. Blowing snow can sneak up fast. If it feels sketchy, it is. |
🏔️ Seward Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | 20°F to 30°F |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 20°F to 30°F | Snow and blowing snow through Turnagain Arm. Visibility drops quick near Portage. Keep both hands on the wheel. |
| Afternoon | 25°F to 35°F | Snow lightens for a bit but roads stay icy. Watch shaded curves and overpasses. |
| Evening | 20°F to 30°F | Snow returns with slick conditions. Give yourself extra time and skip the hero driving. |
🌲 Sterling Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 20°F to 30°F | Winter Weather Advisory means business. Blowing snow and poor visibility possible. Slow is smooth and smooth is safe. |
| Afternoon | 25°F to 35°F | Snow may taper briefly but drifting continues. Stay alert in open stretches near Sterling and Clam Gulch. |
| Evening | 20°F to 30°F | Snow redevelops with gusty winds. Expect reduced visibility and slick roads. If you can wait, do it. |
Memaw says check 511.alaska.gov before you roll. And, before you shut the door and head out, let Memaw remind you of one more thing. This cold is the kind that steals your breath and makes metal complain. Dress like you might have to walk a bit, keep your gas tank above half, and do not trust the sunshine to mean a thing. If the wind is blowing snow sideways and the road feels wrong, it is wrong. Turn around or wait it out. Winter always wins the argument, and Memaw would like you home in one piece.
