Weekend rain causes power outages, but sunshine is forecasted for coming weekend

In the lower 48, the weather has been dealing with catastrophic floods on the northeast coast, as floods from Pennsylvania to Vermont have killed at least 5 people, after torrential rainfall have resulted in raging floods that have swept away homes, businesses, roadways, and bridges.

In other parts of the US, 76 million people are under heat alerts as much of the southwestern corner of the country deals with scorching heat temperatures. States such as Arizona, Texas, and Nevada, prone to hot, dry summer temperatures that typically reach triple digits, are reporting that some cities are breaking records for not only the high temperatures, but the duration of the heat. Some states are reporting nearly a month or longer of 100+ temps.

Other areas in the lower 48 that might not have the sweltering heat or flooding, but are instead dealing with poor air conditions and haze resulting from wildfires in Canada, putting nearly 80 million people under air quality alerts.

Meanwhile, here in the Mat-Su and Anchorage, residents have been dealing with days of continuous rain, ponding water, and power outages.

Over the weekend, Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) reported on social media a number of power outages from Palmer all the way up to the Susitna area, to the Denali State Park, with some outages being blamed on downed trees and fallen power lines, most likely a result of oversaturated grounds.

Residents and tourists near the Little Su River in Houston kept a wary eye on the river over the weekend, which swelled just under the 9 foot stage, cresting Monday morning at 8.36 feet, according to observations from the National Weather Service. While there was no forecast for flooding in the city, residents in the low-lying riverbanks were advised to be prepared to move items off the floor, and know how to turn off the power if water does rise higher than forecasted.

Last year, around this same time, the Little Su did swell over onto parts of Houston, observed the Little Su at just over 9.3 feet; 11 feet is flood stage for the river.

For the remainder of the week, the NWS is forecasting more rainy conditions through Thursday, with highs reaching the upper 60’s. Residents and visitors may expect a pleasant Friday, where the NWS says it will be “mostly sunny,” with the high reaching 72, and again on Saturday, providing an opportune time to get some much needed Vitamin D, along with mowing the lawns, or just enjoying the outdoors.

Clouds might roll in on Sunday, and as of this publication, a chance of rain is likely to return in the middle of next week.