By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
👵 Happy Friday, sugar. The roads are holding steady, but winter still has her boots on. Expect packed snow, polished ice in the shady stretches, and a little extra attitude from other drivers ready to clock out early. Take it slow, keep your coffee hot, and remember getting there safe beats getting there fast every single time.
🚙 Parks Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 14 | 6 | Watch for black ice near bridges and river crossings. Ease into braking. | Moderate |
| Afternoon | 18 | 10 | Sun glare on packed snow can hide slick spots. Keep sunglasses handy. | Moderate |
| Evening | 12 | 4 | Temps drop fast. Expect refreeze on curves and ramps. | Moderate to High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:48 AM Sunset ~4:34 PM | Low-angle sun and fast darkness. Increase following distance. | Moderate | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Kp ~3; faint arcs possible with breaks in clouds | Pull off fully if viewing. Cold fog may form late. | Low |
🚙 Glenn Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 13 | 5 | Wind-polished ice in open stretches. Keep both hands on the wheel. | Moderate |
| Afternoon | 17 | 9 | Blowing snow possible near Flats and higher elevations. | Moderate |
| Evening | 11 | 3 | Frosty ramps and overpasses. Slow your merge. | Moderate to High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:47 AM Sunset ~4:35 PM | Visibility drops quick after sunset. Headlights on early. | Moderate | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Kp ~3; soft glow if skies clear | Dress warm if stopping. Roads stay icy overnight. | Low |
🚐 Seward Highway
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 16 | 10 | Patchy ice near Turnagain Arm. Watch cliffside shade zones. | High |
| Afternoon | 20 | 14 | Melting snow may refreeze in tunnels and curves. | High |
| Evening | 15 | 8 | Winds pick up. Gusts can push vehicles sideways. | High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:49 AM Sunset ~4:33 PM | Wildlife more active at dusk. Slow through known crossing areas. | High | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Kp ~3; reflections possible over Turnagain | Scenic pullouts only. Never stop on travel lanes. | Moderate |
🚚 Sterling Highway
Songs, stories, and Alaska soul. 🎶
Parlor in the Round lands at The Porcupine Theatre Saturday, February 21 at 7 pm with Quinn Christopherson, Samantha Crain, and Dylan Smith, hosted by Kevin Worrell. Tickets $25 advance, $30 door, or $50 pay it forward at porcupinetheater.com.
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 12 | 2 | Hard-packed snow with icy shoulders. Stay centered in lane. | Moderate |
| Afternoon | 16 | 6 | Sun-softened snow can turn slick fast. | Moderate |
| Evening | 9 | -2 | Rapid refreeze after sunset. Reduce speed early. | High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:55 AM Sunset ~4:28 PM | Long shadows hide ice patches. | Moderate | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Kp ~2 to 3; dim but possible | Temps drop quickly late night. | Low |
🚗 Knik Goose Bay Rd & Palmer Wasilla Hwy
| Time of Day | Hi Temperatures (°F) | Lo Temperatures | Driving Tips | Road Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 13 | 4 | Residential intersections are icy. Brake early. | Moderate |
| Afternoon | 17 | 8 | Rutted lanes and plow berms. Watch for kids and pets. | Moderate |
| Evening | 10 | 1 | Black ice near driveways and stop signs. | Moderate to High |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise ~9:46 AM Sunset ~4:36 PM | Neighborhood glare and quick darkness. | Moderate | |
| Aurora Forecast for Tonight | Kp ~3; decent chance if clouds thin | Park fully off road if viewing. | Low |
👵 Memaw’s Parting Words
It’s Friday, not a race. Let the tailgaters go, keep your heater cranked, and give winter the respect she demands. You roll in safe, you win the day. I’ll see you back here tomorrow, Lord willing and the roads behaving.
💅
