Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Fairbanks, AK

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FXAK69 PAFG 272217
AFDAFG

Northern Alaska Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Fairbanks AK
217 PM AKDT Wed Mar 27 2024

.SYNOPSIS...

An active weather pattern will persist over the west coast
of Alaska as a series of fronts will bring strong winds,
snow and blowing snow through Friday. Blizzard conditions continue
over the Eastern north slope late tonight into Wednesday. Snow
chances increase for the Interior Wed night into Thursday and
again on Sunday. The potential for strong winds over the Alaska
Range Saturday evening into Sunday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

Analysis and Model Discussion...
Upper level low persists over the western Bering and weak
chinook flow over the Interior. Troughing will dig over the
west coast and swing shortwaves through the west coast and
into the western Interior. Chinook flow will weaken on Wed and
a shortwave is bringing snow to the western Inerior today and
across the Central Interior tonight into Thursday. A stronger low
is progged to develop over the Southern Bering Thursday into
Friday. Troughing will continue to dig south over the southern
west coast and shift to the east on Saturday. A strong shortwave
will swing across the Alaska Range Saturday night into Sunday.
The upper level low will track across the Northern Interior
on Sunday and southwest flow will set up over the Interior.
Another strong low will move into the Bering late Tue into
Wednesday.

Central and Eastern Interior...
Chinook flow will weaken on Wed and a shortwave is bringing snow
to the western Inerior today and across the Central Interior
tonight into Thursday. Mostly snow expected but could start as
rain. Accumulations of snow around 1 to 3 inches expected. Some
areas west of Fairbanks 3 to 5 inches. High temps will be on the
downtrend the next few days with highs in the 30s.

Gap winds will pick up on Friday morning through Friday with
gusts to 65 mph possible. A stronger shortwave will bring high
winds to the Alaska Range Sat evening into Sunday. Gusts over 70
mph are possible. Snow chances increase over the northern Interior
and well as gusty winds over higher Terrain. Amounts and timing
still uncertain this far out, but several inches are possible west
and north of Fairbanks as well as the south facing slopes of the
Alaska Range. There is also a chance of mixed precipitation over
the Central Interior as well. Special weather statements are in
effect for the changing weather the next several days.


North Slope and Brooks Range...
East winds continue to gust to 40 to 55 mph causing blowing snow
with low visibility over the Western Arctic Coast through
Thursday morning. Blizzard warnings are in effect for the Eastern
North slope Tonight through Thursday morning. Snow moving into
the Brooks Range tonight then the North Slope tomorrow by midday.
The snow will be light and reside mainly from Utqiagvik south and
east. In general, 1 to 3 inches can be expected in the Brooks
Range through Thursday with around an inch or less for the North
Slope. Much more active weather looks to arrive this weekend with
the potential for heavy snow, especially in the Brooks Range.

West Coast and Western Interior...
A cold front will be the focus of snow showers over the west
coast Today into Wed morning. Another low will impact Saint
Lawrence Island Wed afternoon into Thursday morning. Winter
Weather Advisory has been issued for that area. A stronger
system will move into Bristol Bay Thursday night into Friday
bringing snow and blowing snow to the Yukon Delta then spread
further north Friday into Sat. Inland areas could pick up
several inches of snow. Strong northerly winds will continue over
Saint Lawrence Island and develop over the Bering Strait and
Northwest Alaska as well.

Coastal Hazard Potential Days 3 and 4...Strong Easterly over
the Eastern north slope Wednesday into Thursday morning. Strong
winds develop in the Bering Strait and over Saint Lawrence Island
Friday into Saturday.


Extended Forecast For Days 4 Through 7...

A stronger low is progged to develop over the Southern Bering
Thursday into Friday bringing snow and blowing snow
to the Yukon Delta Coast. A mix of precip possible over the Interior
on Sunday, but expecting mostly snow over the Northern Interior
at this point. Another strong low could impact the west coast
early next week, the track and timing still uncertain, will
continue to monitor.



&&

.AFG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AK...Winter Weather Advisory for AKZ827.
     Blizzard Warning for AKZ804.
     Blizzard Warning for AKZ805.
PK...Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ801-802.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ805.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ806.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ812-858.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ813.
     Gale Warning for PKZ814.
     Gale Warning for PKZ815-861.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ816-817-854.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ850.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ851-859.
     Brisk Wind Advisory for PKZ853.
     Gale Warning for PKZ860.
&&

$$


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