By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Hey there, sweetheart! Grab your thermos, check those tires, and listen up. Roads are cold with patchy freezing fog in the morning, the daylight is short, and if the skies are clear tonight you might catch a little northern lights sparkle. Memawâs got temps, sunrise/sunset, and aurora forecast so you can drive safe and maybe even chase a little sky magic.
đ Parks Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 31°F | 14°F | Patchy freezing fog early. Let those headlights do their job. |
| Afternoon | 31°F | 18°F | Sunny skies warm your heart but not the ice on shaded spots. Stay cautious. |
| Evening | 25°F | 17°F | Temps drop after sunset. Watch for slick spots on overpasses. |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:43 AM Sunset ~4:36 PM | Low sun can blind your eyes. Sunglasses help. | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Southcentral: Tonight activity modest (Kp ~4) with limited visibility unless skies clear. Broader Alaska: Moderate activity expected. | Best viewing late night in open dark skies if clouds donât move in. |
đ Glenn Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 31°F | 14°F | Fog and frost early. Space out from other vehicles and go slow. |
| Afternoon | 31°F | 18°F | Roads stay winter slick. Sunlight can be deceiving. |
| Evening | 25°F | 17°F | Low light and refreeze can catch drivers off guard. |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:43 AM Sunset ~4:36 PM | Keep your visors handy. | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Southcentral: Tonight activity modest (Kp ~4) with limited visibility unless skies clear. Broader Alaska: Moderate activity expected. | Best viewing late night in open dark skies if clouds donât move in. |
đ Seward Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 31°F | 14°F | Early fog near the inlet. Traction can be tricky. |
| Afternoon | 31°F | 18°F | Roads still cold in shaded spots. Watch for refreeze. |
| Evening | 25°F | 17°F | Bring the headlights on early. |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:43 AM Sunset ~4:36 PM | Glare off water and curves can be tough. | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Southcentral: Tonight activity modest (Kp ~4) with limited visibility unless skies clear. Broader Alaska: Moderate activity expected. | Best viewing late night in open dark skies if clouds donât move in. |
đ Sterling Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 31°F | 14°F | Patchy fog lingers. Let that defroster earn its keep. |
| Afternoon | 31°F | 18°F | Winter roads still require full respect. |
| Evening | 25°F | 17°F | Shaded curves might be icy. Slow approach. |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:43 AM Sunset ~4:36 PM | Low light makes curves trickier. | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Southcentral: Tonight activity modest (Kp ~4) with limited visibility unless skies clear. Broader Alaska: Moderate activity expected. | Best viewing late night in open dark skies if clouds donât move in. |
đ” Memawâs Parting Words
Alright, sweetheart, hereâs the deal. Take your time, keep both hands on the wheel, and donât let a little frost or fog rattle your nerves. The roads may be icy, the sun low, and the wind nippy, but youâve got your wits, your coffee, and a little Memaw magic on your side. Look up at the sky tonight if itâs clearâthe aurora might just wink at you. Remember, slow and steady gets you there safe and sound, and a little wonder goes a long way. Now go out there, drive smart, and donât forget to smile, even if your toes are frozen. đ„¶
Quick Kp Index Guide
Now, before you drift off or chase the lights tonight, hereâs a little science Memaw wonât make you memorize. The Kp Index tells you how strong the geomagnetic activity is, basically, how likely you are to see the northern lights.
- Kp 0â2: Very quiet skies. Aurora may hide.
- Kp 3â4: Moderate activity. Might catch a faint glow if skies are clear.
- Kp 5+: Strong geomagnetic activity. Aurora can light up the whole Alaska sky if itâs dark and clear.
So tonightâs Kp is about 4, which means keep your eyes peeled. It could be a little show, or a big one if the clouds cooperate. đ
