Alaska Braces for Extreme Cold, Snow, and Iditarod Amid Lunar Eclipse

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A total lunar eclipse illuminated the Alaskan night sky early Tuesday morning, coinciding with a period of sustained extreme cold and the approach of a significant winter storm system impacting Southeast Alaska. The eclipse began with a full moon casting a bright glow, but as the Earth's shadow moved across the lunar surface, the moon underwent a dramatic transformation, becoming fully eclipsed and noticeably darker away from urban light sources. While the skies were clear enough for viewing the eclipse, much of Alaska continues to grapple with frigid temperatures, with several weather alerts in effect.

Why it matters

The extreme cold and incoming winter storm system pose significant challenges for Alaskan communities, impacting transportation, infrastructure, and daily life. The lunar eclipse, while a captivating celestial event, also serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of Alaska's winter weather and the resilience required to navigate such conditions.

The details

As of Wednesday morning, Anchorage reported 1 degree Fahrenheit, while Palmer experienced 9 degrees below zero. Further inland, Gulkana and Glennallen were at 40 below, Fairbanks registered 43 below, and Eagle plummeted to 48 below zero. A winter weather advisory remains active for the North Slope due to blowing snow, and winter storm watches have been issued for the Eastern Alaska Range passes in anticipation of a major storm system impacting Southeast Alaska. The approaching storm is expected to bring 10 to 13 inches of snow to Juneau, accompanied by wind gusts up to 40 mph, with snowfall increasing overnight and continuing through much of Wednesday.

• The total lunar eclipse reached its peak around 2:30 a.m. Local time on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
• As of Wednesday morning, March 5, 2026, the extreme cold temperatures were reported across Alaska.
• The winter storm system is expected to impact Southeast Alaska later this week, with heavy snowfall and high winds forecast for Wednesday, March 6, 2026.
• The ceremonial start of the Iditarod is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2026, in downtown Anchorage.
• Daylight saving time will be implemented on Sunday, March 9, 2026, requiring Alaskans to move their clocks forward one hour.

What’s next

The Kenai Peninsula is expected to experience warming temperatures later this week, transitioning precipitation from snow to rain from Juneau southward. Juneau is expected to continue receiving heavy snowfall through Thursday and Friday before the changeover, while Sitka, Petersburg, and Ketchikan will see a mix of rain and snow.