More warm, wet winter weather forecasted this week

MAT-SU — Uncommonly warm and wet winter weather forecast for Alaska is expected to continue the pattern of freezing rain that began in the area early Monday.

The National Weather Service in Anchorage issued a special weather advisory Monday morning that was set to expire mid-morning, but which was later extended through 1 p.m.

Monday afternoon, the weather service updated its forecast to include warm, wet winter weather for Southcentral Alaska from Wednesday night through Saturday.

“A series of fast-moving storm systems will move north across southern Alaska this week with origins in the subtropical Pacific Ocean,” the weather service reports.

With each new storm, the warmer air will push farther north and west into the state. Temperatures in the 30s and 40s are forecasted as far north as the Alaska Range.

“Strong winds along terrain gaps such as Turnagain Arm as well as higher elevations of southern Alaska are also possible,” the weather service reports.

Rapid snowmelt, runoff and ponding on top of ice are expected to impact outdoor activities and travel across the region, according to the forecast.

More seasonable temperatures — lows in the 20s, highs 25 to 35 — return Saturday night and Sunday. For more information, visit weather.gov/anchorage.