Summary
Thousands of people in Alaska face a risk of frostbite and hypothermia due to extremely cold weather. The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory for the Klondike Highway region, expecting temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents are advised to stay indoors, dress warmly, and monitor weather updates.
Key Facts
- The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an extreme cold watch for Alaska's Klondike Highway area.
- Temperature forecasts predict lows of -40 degrees Fahrenheit from Sunday to Monday.
- Wind chills could reach -40 degrees, with gusts up to 50-60 miles per hour.
- Frostbite and hypothermia risks are high, especially for vulnerable groups such as the homeless and elderly.
- The U.S. has seen an increase in cold-related deaths, doubling between 1999 and 2022.
- Over 1,000 Americans died from cold weather in 2023, with January being particularly deadly.
- The CDC and NWS emphasize the importance of staying warm and checking on neighbors during cold snaps.
