Monday Ice, Sunshine & Maybe a Little Northern Light Magic
☕️ Good morning, hon. According to the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we are rolling into a cold but fairly cooperative February Monday. Morning temps are flirting with zero, climbing into the 20s this afternoon. That means firm snowpack, sneaky shaded ice, and the usual bridge frost that loves to surprise folks who are running late. Skies stay mostly calm today, and if clouds cooperate tonight, we might even get a little green glow overhead. 💚
🚙 Parks Highway
Parks Hwy & Palmer Wasilla Hwy | Alaska 511Lace up for the 50ish and Over Hike at Long Lake Loop Trail in Palmer on Feb. 17 from 1 to 4 pm. Hosted by Revel Treks & Tours, this leisurely four-mile group hike begins at the Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area parking lot and is designed for “seasoned” adventurers who enjoy good company and steady pacing. Free for Revel Adventure Club members and first-timers, $15 for others. The hike repeats at different trailheads on the third Tuesday of each month. Details and registration at reveltreksandtours.com/events.
Time of Day
Hi Temperatures (°F)
Lo Temperatures
Driving Tips
Road Risk Level
Morning
10°F
-1°F
Watch for black ice and patchy freezing fog, especially near low areas
Medium
Afternoon
22°F
10°F
Sun firms up snowpack, decent traction in open stretches
Low
Evening
15°F
4°F
Temps drop quickly after sunset, bridges refreeze first
Medium
Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise 8:37 am
Sunset 5:46 pm
Strong glare off snowpack, keep sunglasses handy
Medium
Aurora Forecast for Tonight
Kp 4, minor activity
Overnight lows near 4°F
Best viewing away from highway lights late evening
Fair road stability, good visibility through Turnagain Arm
Low
Evening
16°F
6°F
Frost returns quickly along shaded cliff sections
Medium
Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise 8:37 am
Sunset 5:46 pm
Early shadows on curves, reduce speed
Medium
Aurora Forecast for Tonight
Kp 4, minor activity
Overnight lows near 6°F
Viewing possible if clouds thin along the Arm
Low to Medium
🚚 Sterling Highway – Homer
Sterling Hwy & Lake St – Homer | Alaska 511Get hands-on with wool at the Felting Workshop hosted by Homer Art and Frame on Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 5 to 8 pm AKST in Homer. This three-hour, in-person class is a beginner-friendly introduction to all things felting. General admission is $55.20, which includes fees, and tickets are on sale through Feb. 25. Refunds are available up to three days before the event, so grab your spot and get ready to turn loose wool into something wonderful.
Time of Day
Hi Temperatures (°F)
Lo Temperatures
Driving Tips
Road Risk Level
Morning
8°F
-3°F
Rural stretches hold hard ice longer, go steady
Medium
Afternoon
20°F
9°F
Packed snow stable in open sun areas
Low
Evening
13°F
2°F
Refreeze likely at intersections and driveways
Medium
Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise 8:37 am
Sunset 5:46 pm
Glare across open snowfields
Medium
Aurora Forecast for Tonight
Kp 4, minor activity
Overnight lows near 2°F
Darker stretches offer best viewing chance
Low to Medium
🚗 Knik Goose Bay Road & South Clapp/W Fairview Loop
Mostly firm surfaces, watch for slush in sun pockets
Low
Evening
14°F
3°F
Rapid cooling after sunset, black ice possible
Medium
Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise 8:37 am
Sunset 5:46 pm
Bright low sun reduces contrast on icy patches
Medium
Aurora Forecast for Tonight
Kp 4, minor activity
Overnight lows near 3°F
Late night skies may reward patient watchers
Low to Medium
👵 Memaw’s Parting Words
Monday is not the day to test your tires or your reflexes. Leave five minutes early, brake soft, and remember that shiny pavement in February is not your friend. If you get home safe and still have energy, peek outside before bed. Sometimes Alaska likes to tuck a little aurora surprise into an ordinary Monday night. 🌌
