Southeast weather normals show increased temperatures

    Saturday, May 8th, 2021 12:43pm

    Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Temperature normals in Southeast Alaska show a marginal increase in max temperatures over the past few decades, as well as increased rain activity in some communities.

    News of the North spoke with Cody Moore at the Juneau Weather Service to hear data he has compared between the 1981-2010 temperature normals, and more the recent 1991-2020 temperature normals in Southeast.

    Moore said "Looks like in Juneau, our average temperature has remained about the same, however, our average max has risen by point two degrees Fahrenheit while our average minimum temperature has decreased by point three degrees Fahrenheit. Juneau is the only climate site in Southeast Alaska that has recorded an average minimum temperature that went down. Every other climate site - Yakutat, Sitka, and Ketchikan, they've all reported increases in their average temperatures."

    Moore was asked if this was a trend, "This has definitely been a trend. When you look at the climate normals, we're slowly warming. I guess this isn't surprising to see, but it's cool that the numbers show that the trend is actually happening."

    As Southeast slowly heats up, rain activity is going up in some communities and down in others. Moore saying "A couple of our sites are even getting wetter. Juneau now on average has 4.72 inches more rain a year than they did with the old climate normals, and then Ketchikan has 8.29 inches more precipitation per year on average right now, whereas Yakutat and Sitka, their average annual precipitation actually decreased.  Yakutat's decreased by 14.76 inches and Sitka's decreased by 2.34 inches."

     

    Share

    More from News of the North

    Sitka weather forecast

    Events

    • Sitka Tribe CARES Act Housing & Temporary Shelter Assistance

      The Sitka Tribe of Alaska is pleased to offer Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act need based assistance for Tribal Citizen/ AK Native or American Indian Sitka community households impacted by the COVID pandemic. The assistance available is $500 per household paid directly to a vendor to cover the mortgage, rent, utilities, heating fuel, or boat moorage costs, invoice verification is required and must be submitted with the application. This funding will also assist with those experiencing homelessness with temporary shelter. There is a separate application for this type of assistance. Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2021. Please go to sitkatribe.org for the application. Or please bring a previous or current invoice/bill (oil,utilities,rent,moorage, mortgage) to 456 Katlian St. for social services with your phone number on it; we will call and complete the online application with you over the phone. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call STA Social Services Department at 747-7293

      at Sitka tribe
    • Sitka Ham Radio Club

      Sitka Ham Amateur Radio Klub - SHARK - meets 2 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at the Sitka Sportsman's Association: 5211 Halibut Point Road. All interested in ham radio are welcome. For information contact Darryl Ault AL7W at 738-4539, sitkashark@yahoo.com or visit the Facebook Group.

      at None
    • Fish and Chip sale

      The American Legion is having a fish and chip sale this Friday starting at 11:30 til sold out. Plus serving clam chowder for only $5 a bowl. Come in and eat or call 747-8629 for pick-up.

      at Sitka American Legion