It’s Colder In Alaska Right Now Than It Is In Antarctica

The cold winter weather has finally hit, and Alaska is feeling it! With the current cold snap freezing Alaskans into winter, it's no surprise to hear that our great state has temperatures even chillier than Antarctica! Many areas of Alaska have temperatures that have dipped farther south than the coldest of Antarctica's research stations.

Alaska this week has seen the start of a deep freeze.

Areas around Tok are experiencing a good -49F. Fairbanks and Chena aren't far behind at -32F. These temperatures beat even the coldest station in Antarctica, Vostok Station. Vostok has temperatures recorded at around -20F this week.

Anchorage has been inundated with ice fog!

This has at least kept temperatures slightly warmer in this south central region, a chilly -9F in some areas. Still much colder than McMurdo, which is sitting at a pretty 24F!

One of the most beautiful and frequently photographed weather phenomena, hoar frost.

The Anchorage area is rapidly developing thick outlines of hoar frost, deposited by the ice fog that is socking in the municipality.

As with all the deep freezes we get during the winter, make sure to stay safe!

Double check that your car is filled up with gas and all the fluids it needs to run smoothly at these temperatures. Having a fully stocked winter break-down kit is a great idea for your car.

There are many great things that Alaskans still do at these lower temperatures. From cross country skiing, to ice climbing, to snowshoeing- cold temperatures don't stop us from enjoying the winter!

Do remember to play it safe! Let someone know where you'll be, and pack in good sturdy layers for your day outside. It would also be wise to stock up on hand and toe warmers to slip inside your gloves and boots!

Alaskans frequently deal with temperatures this cold.

In fact, a common experience is for moisture from our breath to condense on our eyelashes and then freeze. We call this Alaskan Mascara!

The best part of this cold snap? Above average conditions for seeing our beloved aurora borealis!

Cold temperatures tend to suck the humidity out of the air, barring weather phenomena like ice fog. As long as our aurora forecast is high, you should be able to view the northern lights nicely! The aurora forecast on Jan. 16th and Jan 24th are above average, a 4 and 5 respectively, so make sure to grab your hot chocolate and head on out there!

If you'd like more information, or to follow the aurora forecast, visit University of Alaska Fairbanks here! If you're looking for other fun things to do while experiencing this great winter, Visit These 18 Awesome Places In Alaska This Winter!