Cold Snap Alert: Dangerously Cold Temps Hit the Mat-Su

The calendar may say that spring is just around the corner, but residents need to brace for some very cold temperatures overnight and into Thursday afternoon.

The National Weather Service (NWS) out of Anchorage has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the Matanuska Valley, including Palmer, Wasilla, and Sutton to expect temperatures to plummet to dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero. Over the next few days, the NWS forecast calls for the coldest wind chills during the late night and early morning, with temperatures warming up during the daytime.

The Northern Susitna Valley, Northern Copper Valley, and Tok Cutoff areas will see even colder overnight temperatures as the wind chill in those areas are expected to be as low as 40 to 50 below zero.

Over the next few days, expect the coldest temperatures late into the night and early morning, with some relief during the daytime as temperatures warm up.

The frigid temperatures were enough for the Teamsters Local 959 to call of striking bus drivers from the picket lines on Wednesday, after they were on the picket lines in severely cold temperatures on Tuesday.

People are advised to use caution while traveling outdoors, wear appropriate clothing, hats and gloves, keeping extremities protected as the temperatures could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 20 minutes. Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. It might also be a good time to check on older family, friends, and neighbors who are particularly vulnerable to the cold temps.

With sub-zero temperatures, it can be tempting to use unsafe methods to warm your home. To stay safe, please follow these guidelines: Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet away from combustible materials like curtains, furniture, and bedding. Always plug heaters directly into a wall outlet, never an extension cord, to avoid electrical overloads. Crucially, never use grills or generators indoors, as they pose a fatal carbon monoxide risk

Also, don’t forget your four-legged friends. Keep them inside as much as possible.

If you do not have heat in your home or lack shelter, please call 211 or visit alaska211.org for assistance locating appropriate shelter from the cold.