Feel the heat: Warmer than usual temps hit the Mat-Su Borough

It’s hot out. Hot and dry. That’s not really news, since all anyone has to do is step outside and feel the heat, look at the very dry ground and instantly know that here in the Mat-Su Borough, it has been unusually warm for this time of year.

Thursday marked the seventh day with high temperatures in the 70s, which have been a good 10 to 16 degrees above the normal high of 60 degrees. Depending on the forecast or weather app, rain is not in the forecast until Monday or Tuesday. Maybe.

But folks in the lower 48 don’t always understand the idea that 75 up here in Alaska is not the same as, say, 75 in Ohio. In most portions of Alaska, 75 F is an above normal temperature. Wherever you are, an above normal temperature in the summer feels warm.

Why does Alaska feel so much warmer at the otherwise pleasant and desired temperature range of the 70s? Is it because Alaska spends so much time in the cold and dark? Well, the answer is not that Alaska is on the other end of the weather pendulum. It has more to do with the position of Alaska relative to the sun, according to Brian Brettschneider, who wrote a piece on this subject for Forbes in 2019.

Brettschneider, who has a PhD in environmental geography with an emphasis on climate change, said the sun never rises more than 47 above the horizon north of the Arctic Circle. This low sun angle exposes most of the body to direct sunlight. This means the sun’s rays are shining on whichever half of your body is facing the sun whether you have a hat on or not, and that direct sunlight can raise the temperature by 10 F to 20 F.

A similar situation exists with housing and “warm” temperatures. For example, on a 75 F day in Anchorage, the temperature inside a house, presumably without trees for shade, can reach 85 F to 90 F. Some heat can be alleviated by opening windows and turning on fans, since many houses here in Alaska are built for warmth and air conditioning is not included in that algorithm.

This means once the temperature rises, the house does a great job retaining the warmth. But more importantly, the low sun angle allows a large quantity of solar radiation to penetrate windows and reach deep inside a house. In scientific terms, that means approximately double the solar energy enters a house through a window when the sun is 45° above the horizon compared to 70° above the horizon at any given moment.

Added to the very much coveted 19-plus hours of daylight and Vitamin D, the windows can dramatically increase the temperature inside a typical house.

There are also vital reminders to keep in mind during this warm and dry spell. First is the fire danger. Last month, the Division of Forestry issued a burn permit suspension, which as of June 2, was still in effect. The burn permit suspension temporarily prohibits all burn permits, both small- and large-scale. Absolutely no burning of burn barrels, debris piles, or lawns. The suspension will remain effective fire weather condition alleviate.

“The fire weather conditions are setting us up for potentially another season like 2019. The public should exercise extreme caution with any fire, making sure that it is fully extinguished and cold to the touch before departing the scene. The AK DOF would also like to thank the public with their compliance throughout this burn permit suspension,” says Kevin Lankford of the Division of Forestry, Mat-Su Area Fire Prevention Officer.

That advice is repeated by Houston Fire Chief Christian Hartley, who says in addition to making sure any campfire is not left unattended, and making sure it is fully out.

“When you leave a campsite, pour water into the fire ring, stir it into the ashes and wood, and pour water in again. Repeat until you feel no heat,” Hartley said.

Additionally, he reminds everyone to keep hydrated. With water.

Another reminder for people is to take care of their pets too. The Big Lake VCA Animal Hospital gave a few reminders for humans with fur babies:

“Pets can get heat exhaustion, so please don’t leave pets in cars, even with the windows down. Make sure pets have free access to clean, cold water. And if you are walking your pets on the sidewalk, remember that theirs paws can burn. If you can’t keep your hand on the pavement for more than a few seconds, don’t walk your pets on the pavement.”

They would also like people to remember that not all dogs can swim, so while the lakes may look tempting, do not toss dogs into the lakes unless that animal can swim. There have been instances where dogs have had to be rescued out of the water.

All of these tips can also be applied to humans. They are all things most people are aware, but are easy to forget during busy times, especially with children out of school and people traveling.

If people are looking for places to cool off for a while, besides local public lakes, the Wasilla Pool at Wasilla High School is set to open June 6 with open swim weekdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and different schedules for lap swim.

Likewise, the Palmer Pool at Palmer High School will offer the same days and swim times as Wasilla. Additionally, each pool does offer swim lessons for a fee.

And just remember this heat now-Winter officially begins in just over 200 days.

For more information about Wasilla and Palmer Pools, visit matsugov.us/swimmingpools