An upper level trough is nearly stationary over mainland Alaska. At the base of this trough is a surface low pressure system. Flow ahead of the rotation of the low is bringing moisture on-shore over SE. Rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are likely for the Panhandle with highs in the upper 30s and 40s.
Meanwhile, weak flow around the low on the backside is from the north and west. Aloft, the upper trough is enhancing the dynamics needed for snow to continue throughout much of the day over the Interior and Southcentral. At the surface, modest moisture is being upsloped west of the Chugach mountains over the Inlet. Snow has been heavy at times in Anchorage. Snow will also fall in the Copper River Basin eastward to the Alcan. Gradually, the upper trough will move east and break down, bringing an end to snow.
Cold air will filter into the state as skies clear. Highs in Anchorage will be near 30, but drop into the single digits and low teens tonight. We'll get a break tomorrow as an upper level trough builds in. Clouds will then increase Wednesday with the approach of a massive storm on the northern Bering.
Speaking of this massive storm---if you live anywhere from the Yukon Delta up to the western Arctic Slope, you have one day to prepare for what could be one of the deepest lows of the season. The storm will take shape over the Bering today. Beginning tomorrow and through Wednesday, very strong winds to 80 mph, heavy snow, high surf and coastal flooding are likely. Check back with us for more on this rapidly developing storm.
