Daily commute conditions, sunrise and sunset, and tonight’s aurora outlook.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026s
☕️ Well hey there, sweetheart. Pour something warm, give those tires a once-over, and come sit a minute. The roads are icy in places, the days are still short, and if the clouds mind their manners, the northern lights might just show off tonight. Memaw has gathered your highway-by-highway temperatures, sunrise and sunset times, and a peek at the sky so you can travel safely and maybe enjoy a little magic after supper.
🚗 Parks Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 24°F | 14°F | Watch for slick spots and freezing fog in low areas. Give yourself extra space. |
| Afternoon | 27°F | 14°F | Snow glare possible with limited daylight. Headlights help you be seen. |
| Evening | 24°F | 14°F | Bridges and overpasses ice first. Ease off the speed. |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:47 am Sunset ~4:30 pm | Low sun can blind your eyes. Drive smart. | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Southcentral: Kp ~4, active if skies clear Broader Alaska: Kp 4 to 5, brighter farther north | Dark skies and clear weather give best viewing. |
🚙 Glenn Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 24°F | 14°F | Cold pockets and light fog possible. Keep your distance. |
| Afternoon | 27°F | 14°F | Pavement may soften slightly but shaded spots stay icy. |
| Evening | 24°F | 14°F | Black ice possible on curves and ramps. Stay steady. |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:47 am Sunset ~4:30 pm | Low angle sun can blind you. Sunglasses help. | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Same as Parks Highway | Dark skies and clear weather give best viewing. |
🚐 Seward Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 24°F | 14°F | Watch for ice near Turnagain Arm and shaded stretches. |
| Afternoon | 27°F | 14°F | Bright snow and water glare possible. Take care on curves. |
| Evening | 24°F | 14°F | Conditions can change quickly. Do not rush it. |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:47 am Sunset ~4:30 pm | Watch glare near water or bends. | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Same as Parks Highway | Dark skies and clear weather give best viewing. |
🚚 Sterling Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 24°F | 14°F | Valleys hold cold air. Expect slick patches. |
| Afternoon | 27°F | 14°F | Snow glare and low sun can hide hazards. |
| Evening | 24°F | 14°F | Darkness comes early. Lights on and slow down. |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:47 am Sunset ~4:30 pm | Low light makes curves trickier. | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Same as Parks Highway | Dark skies and clear weather give best viewing. |
👵 Memaw’s Final Word
Now sweetheart, remember this. No appointment, errand, or dinner plan is worth pushing it on winter roads. Take your time, leave early, and let folks pass if they want to hurry. If you make it home safe and the sky decides to put on a show tonight, that is just a bonus. Drive careful, keep warm, and look out for one another. Memaw will be right here again tomorrow.
💅
