For the first time on record, Alaska is under an official heat advisory, an unprecedented event in one of the coldest states in the United States. This change reflects not only rising temperatures but also a transformation in how extreme climate risks are communicated.

A Historic Shift in Weather Alert Systems

The National Weather Service (NWS) began issuing heat advisories in Alaska starting June 1 of this year, modifying its previous protocol which was based solely on special weather statements to alert about unusually high temperatures. According to Adam Douty, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, the change was implemented to better communicate the impacts of extreme heat, a growing need in an increasingly unstable climate.

Until now, Alaska was the only state that did not use the official heat advisory system, a format already common in the 48 continental states of the U.S. and Hawaii. This is because the state, historically characterized by its frigid climate, rarely reached temperatures that would justify an extreme heat warning. However, with global warming accelerating temperature rises in Arctic regions, this reality is rapidly changing.

This first heat advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday, June 15 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17 (local time), covering several regions of the state. During this period, some areas of Alaska are recording high temperatures in the 80 °F range (around 27 °C), levels considered extreme by local standards. Although in the northern part of the state thermometers remain around 60 °F (about 15 °C), the contrast evidences an unusual climatic phenomenon that concerns experts and authorities.autoridades.

Heat Brings Additional Risks: Red-Flag Warnings

Along with the heat advisory, several regions of Alaska are also under red-flag warnings, issued by the NWS due to elevated wildfire risk. These warnings are in effect until 11 p.m. Monday, June 16 (local time), covering areas such as the Dalton Highway summits, Yukon Flats, the White Mountains, and the high terrain south of the Yukon River.

A red-flag warning indicates that current or imminent conditions are conducive to the rapid spread of dangerous fires. Factors such as high temperatures, low relative humidity, and strong winds contribute to creating a highly flammable environment, especially in areas with abundant dry vegetation.

This dual phenomenon — unprecedented heat and increased fire risk — reveals how climate change is radically altering the weather landscape even in traditionally cold places. Alaska, long considered a thermometer of global climate change due to its accelerated ice melt, now faces a new threat: extreme heat and its ecological consequences.

A Hotter Future for the Coldest State?

The fact that Alaska had to adopt the official heat advisory system is a clear sign that global climate is already having tangible effects in the most remote regions of the planet. This could also have implications for local public health, as the population, infrastructure, and ecosystems of the state are not designed to withstand frequent or prolonged heat waves.

Beyond symbolism, this advisory highlights that the climate crisis is not a distant phenomenon nor exclusive to equatorial zones. Prevention and adaptation policies will need to accelerate, not only to protect human inhabitants but also to preserve the fragile boreal ecosystems that may not survive such rapid warming.

In summary, what is happening today in Alaska is not only historic: it is a warning for the entire world.

Reference:

• NWS/Watches, Warnings & Advisories. Link

Esta entrada también está disponible en: Español