By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Memaw says it’s just cold enough to hurt your feelings. Unlike Juneau and Fairbanks, in Southcentral there is no snow to speak of, mostly bare, frozen ground and bitter cold. That winning combination is also wreaking havoc on sewage pipes in Wasilla proper. (That being said, run some water through your pipes before you leave.) Bundle up, slow down, and do not let confidence outrun traction.
🥶 Parks Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 0 to 8°F | Roads slick from overnight frost. Take it slow and keep a warm extra layer in the car. |
| Afternoon | 5 to 10°F | Sun up but still cold. Black ice possible in shaded spots. Watch bridges and overpasses. |
| Evening | -3 to 2°F | Temps drop fast. Look for icy patches and keep heaters ready. |
❄️ Glenn Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 0 to 6°F | Cold start. Reduce speed around curves and watch for frost on pavement. |
| Afternoon | 4 to 12°F | Some sunshine may help visibility. Be ready for sudden icy patches. |
| Evening | -2 to 3°F | Dark and cold. Extra caution on approach ramps and interchanges. |
☃️ Seward Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | -2 to 5°F | Very cold. Snow or frost likely. Watch out for shaded stretches near woods. |
| Afternoon | 2 to 8°F | Daytime highs slow to reach above freezing. Stay alert for black ice. |
| Evening | -4 to 1°F | Precipitable moisture can refreeze. Keep distance from big trucks. |
🚗 Sterling Highway
| Time of Day | Temperature | Driving Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | -1 to 4°F | Arctic chill on the road. Warm up car before leaving and watch corners. |
| Afternoon | 3 to 9°F | Snow-packed sections possible. Slow down on curves and hills. |
| Evening | -3 to 2°F | Freezing temps return. Expect slick spots especially near bridges. |
Memaw says bundle up the car and take your time. With temperatures this low and the National Weather Service advising of slick conditions across Southcentral, some ice and snow on the highways is likely. Stay safe out there.
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