2025 Among Warmest Years on Record in Alaska

Climate report warns of intense future storms and coastal erosion due to warming trends

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A recent climate report found that 2025 was one of the warmest years on record in Alaska, with a mean temperature of 29.6°F and a mean annual temperature deviation of 1.5°F above normal. The report also noted significant sea ice loss and warned of the potential for more intense storms in coastal regions, like former Typhoon Halong which battered Western Alaska communities in October 2025.

Why it matters

The warming trends observed in 2025 are a concerning indicator of the impacts of climate change in Alaska, including the increased risk of extreme weather events and coastal erosion that threaten vulnerable communities. Understanding these climate patterns is crucial for developing adaptation strategies to protect Alaskan residents.

The details

The 2025 Climate Report, released by the Alaska Climate Research Center, found that 2025 was the warmest year in Alaska since 2019, which had a mean temperature of 37.4°F and a temperature deviation of 4.2°F above normal. While 2025 trended warmer overall, it also included one of the longest deep freeze streaks on record for Fairbanks, with 33 days of temperatures below -15°F, including 17 days below -40°F.

  • The 2025 Climate Report was released last month.
  • 2025 had a mean temperature of 29.6°F and a mean annual temperature deviation of 1.5°F above normal.
  • 2019 was the warmest year on record in Alaska, with a mean temperature of 37.4°F and a temperature deviation of 4.2°F above normal.
  • In October 2025, former Typhoon Halong battered Western Alaska communities.

The players

Alaska Climate Research Center

A part of the University of Fairbanks Geophysical Institute that releases an annual climate report for Alaska.

Martin Stuefer

The State Climatologist and Director of the Alaska Climate Research Center.

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What they’re saying

“For our communities, coastal erosion is of big concern. Typhoons are an extreme concern.”

— Martin Stuefer, State Climatologist and Director of Alaska Climate Research Center (KTUU)

“Unfortunately, it's hard to advise people to relocate. But some areas are prone to disasters and are affected by erosion, and there will be some whole villages [that] have to relocate. Everybody needs to help those populations and hopefully, to convince them to move to safer places.”

— Martin Stuefer, State Climatologist and Director of Alaska Climate Research Center (KTUU)

What’s next

The Alaska Climate Research Center will continue to monitor climate trends and provide guidance to communities on adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change, including coastal erosion and the risk of intense storms.

The takeaway

The warming trends observed in Alaska in 2025 underscore the urgent need for communities to prepare for the increasing impacts of climate change, including more extreme weather events and coastal erosion. Developing effective adaptation strategies will be crucial for protecting vulnerable populations in the state.