By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | April 3, 2026
💅 Good morning, sugar. Memaw was out in Anchorage yesterday and let me tell you, the roads were a bit of a mess. Melting snow has created small lakes in low spots, and I’d hate to be a pedestrian navigating all that slush. Classic Alaska Spring Break Up!
Today, the sun is sticking around until nearly nine tonight, helping to dry the highways, though some shaded spots will remain slick right back up when the temps drop. But, here’s the sweetest little surprise of the day: April 3 is National Chocolate Mousse Day and that’s a Good Friday! A spoonful of chocolate seems like a perfectly respectable reward after dodging puddles and traffic yesterday, don’t you think?
A dreamy chocolate mousse crowned with fresh raspberries and whipped cream, served at Chop House on Lucille Lake, Wasilla. Perfect treat for National Chocolate Mousse Day, April 3. 🍫🍓 Alaska Headline Living ©
Between longer daylight, cooperative roads, and dessert on the schedule, I’d say that makes this a pretty good Friday.
🟢🟡🔴 Daily Verdict: Smooth Ride with a Sweet Finish
Roads: Mostly clear with a few messy low spots from yesterday’s melt
Traffic: Light with no major Alaska 511 incidents reported early today
Sky: Partial clearing tonight could allow a modest northern lights showing
💧 Car Care Question: Should you wash your car today, or wait until the roads dry in June? Memaw votes: Patience, sugar. Those low spots are still full of risky puddles. Plus, you never know what may be hiding in them to take out a tire. 🛞
Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Primary Forecast Location: Anchorage (NWS Anchorage Forecast Office)
Sunrise (Anchorage): 7:18 AM
Sunset (Anchorage): 8:48 PM
Anchorage High: 31°F
Anchorage Low: 23°F
Mat-Su Valley High: 32°F
Mat-Su Valley Low: 20°F
Kenai Peninsula High: 30°F
Kenai Peninsula Low: 24°F
Aurora Forecast: Kp 3–4
Cloud Cover Tonight: Partly cloudy with possible clearing late
🚗💨 Parks Highway
| Time | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Driving Tips | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 28 | 20 | Watch shaded areas and puddles between Wasilla and Houston | 🟡 Moderate |
| Afternoon | 32 | 26 | Sun improves traction on most lanes | 🟢 Low |
| Evening | 27 | 23 | Refreeze begins after sunset | 🟡 Moderate |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise 7:17 AM | Sunset 8:49 PM | Sun glare southbound late afternoon | 🟡 Moderate |
| Aurora Tonight | Kp 3–4 | Possible arc if clouds thin | 🟢 Low |
🚙💨 Glenn Highway
| Time | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Driving Tips | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 27 | 21 | Bridges near Eagle River may still be slick, watch for melt puddles | 🟡 Moderate |
| Afternoon | 31 | 26 | Wet pavement but good traction overall | 🟢 Low |
| Evening | 26 | 22 | Cooling temps could refreeze patches | 🟡 Moderate |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise 7:18 AM | Sunset 8:48 PM | Low sun glare heading west | 🟡 Moderate |
| Aurora Tonight | Kp 3–4 | Dark areas outside Anchorage best | 🟢 Low |
💅 Memaw adds: Heads up, sugar! If you’re heading north toward the Mat-Su, Peters Creek Bridge is single-lane until 2:30 this afternoon. Crews will be working in the median and on the bridge, so keep your eyes peeled. Starting April 17, the northbound bridge closes for 45 days (weather permitting), so plan ahead if you’re commuting late this month. That’s according to Alaska 511.
🚐💨 Seward Highway
| Time | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Driving Tips | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 29 | 24 | Gusty Turnagain Arm winds; puddles possible in low spots | 🟡 Moderate |
| Afternoon | 30 | 27 | Mostly clear pavement | 🟢 Low |
| Evening | 27 | 24 | Watch curves near Portage | 🟡 Moderate |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise 7:16 AM | Sunset 8:49 PM | Glare along Turnagain Arm late day | 🟡 Moderate |
| Aurora Tonight | Kp 3–4 | Clouds may limit viewing | 🟡 Moderate |
💅 Memaw adds: Another heads up, sugar! If you’re driving past mile 113, the yearly icefall diversion is in effect. Lane patterns are shifted both directions, so take it slow and follow the signs. It’s active every day until the end of April, so don’t be surprised if it slows you down.
🚚💨 Sterling Highway
Catch Burgh’s watercolor and woodblock exhibit on First Friday, April 3, 5–7 PM, with an artist talk at 6 PM. During her residency, she’ll also lead a watercolor workshop “Animal Self-Portraits” on April 15, 6–8 PM. Explore myth-inspired Inupiaq stories, register at BunnellArts.org.
| Time | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Driving Tips | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 28 | 22 | Shaded forest sections may be slick, puddles in low areas | 🟡 Moderate |
| Afternoon | 30 | 26 | Roads improving with sunshine | 🟢 Low |
| Evening | 26 | 23 | Refreeze likely overnight | 🟡 Moderate |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise 7:15 AM | Sunset 8:50 PM | Bright afternoon glare westbound | 🟡 Moderate |
| Aurora Tonight | Kp 3–4 | Best viewing away from towns | 🟢 Low |
🏎️💨 Knik Goose Bay Road
| Time | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Driving Tips | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 27 | 20 | Frosty patches and puddles in shaded areas | 🟡 Moderate |
| Afternoon | 32 | 27 | Sun helps clear surface moisture | 🟢 Low |
| Evening | 26 | 22 | Refreeze possible near intersections | 🟡 Moderate |
| Sunrise & Sunset | Sunrise 7:17 AM | Sunset 8:49 PM | Glare toward Wasilla late afternoon | 🟡 Moderate |
| Aurora Tonight | Kp 3–4 | Knik area offers darker skies | 🟢 Low |
Memaw’s Parting Words 💅
Now listen, dear. Spring in Alaska doesn’t hurry. One minute the roads are icy, the next the sun stretches past dinner, giving you a wink that summer’s on its way.
And just to sweeten the day, Tundra the Moose says, “It’s National Chocolate Mousse Day. Scoop a bite of chocolate mousse, or chocolate moose, as I prefer, and savor every decadent bite. Maybe take a peek at the northern lights, but hold off on that car wash for now.” 💖
Memaw and Tundra will meet you back here tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s this sweet delight to put a little pep in your step. 🎶
Forecasts pulled from the National Weather Service, with road reality checks courtesy of Alaska DOT.
💅
