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Why Alaska’s Winters Make the Rest of America Look Weak


Think your winter is brutal? Think again.

Welcome to the coldest state in America! You probably guessed it right — we’re talking about Alaska. It’s no surprise that this state is considered the coldest in all of U.S., but you just have to understand that it is in a completely different league of its own when it comes to bone-chilling temperatures, endless nights, and ice-covered landscapes.

While the rest of the country complains about a little snow, Alaska shrugs off subzero conditions like it’s nothing. Check out some chilling facts about this state’s cold season.

Alaska holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the U.S

Back in 1971, Alaska got the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the U.S.—a staggering -80°F or -62°C in Prospect Creek. For context — at this temperature, boiling water thrown in the air turns instantly to ice. Cars won’t start, exposed skin freezes in seconds, and even the toughest Alaskans don’t take chances.

Alaska’s brutal winter can stop time

It was in 1925 when the town of Nome was hit with a deadly diphtheria outbreak. However, due to freezing temperatures, no planes or ships could deliver medicine because the sea was frozen solid.

The solution came in the form of hero dogs — with about 20 mushers and more than 150 sled dogs covering 674 miles in whiteout conditions to deliver the serum. This legendary trek inspired today’s Iditarod sled race.

Metal snaps like twigs

In most states, extreme cold means throwing on an extra sweater. In Alaska, it means dealing with metal becoming as brittle as glass. Vehicles, tools, and even steel beams can crack and break if temperatures get low enough.

Don’t be surprised by ice roads

Alaska’s icy wilderness is so vast that in winter, frozen rivers become highways. Good thing, the people here know how to use it to their advantage. Hence, the ice roads allow trucks to deliver supplies to remote villages. These roads are temporary, appearing only in the coldest months before melting away in spring.

Even though it’s cold, Alaska is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis

For all its harsh conditions, there is still a silver lining. You should never leave Alaska without looking at the stunning backdrop a.k.a. the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis.

Snow that can bury houses

The snowiest state in the U.S. is also recognized for having the highest snowfall in recorded history. Back in the winter of 1952 to 1953, Alaska experienced snowfall of about 25 meters. That’s already the height of a two-story building.

A three-day storm is truly critical

In January 2024, a three-day storm in Anchorage put the city above 100 inches of snowfall in the winter season, and it was the earliest accumulation ever of that amount recorded.

Even the roofs of commercial buildings collapsed – with the weight of the snow estimated at more than 30lbs per square foot.

You bet that Alaska’s windchill can make an already freezing day feel even colder

Windchill temperatures of -60°F aren’t unheard of, making it dangerous to be outside for more than a few minutes.

It is an alpine paradise

You won’t be disappointed if you’re into extreme snowy adventures. Alaska is home to a wide variety of terrain that is perfect for skiers and snowboarders. You can easily spend an epic day in one of the world’s top skiing destinations.

Sometimes, darkness lasts for months

If you think winter is depressing, try living in Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska. Here, the sun sets in November and doesn’t rise again until late January. The northernmost town is famous for its annual phenomenon of polar night. Talk about extremes.

Can you survive an ultimate winter challenge here?

Not all people are built for Alaska. It is cold beyond words and makes the rest of America look weak. While others complain about shoveling driveways and icy roads, Alaska deals with frozen seas, disappearing sunlight, and temperatures so cold it breaks metal.

It’s not to the point where everybody just rides dog sleds to work everyday, though. That’s one of the myths about the state the locals are tired of hearing.

The post Why Alaska’s Winters Make the Rest of America Look Weak appeared first on When In Your State.



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