Alaska Extended Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
758 PM EDT Sat Aug 27 2022
Valid 12Z Wed Aug 31 2022 - 12Z Sun Sep 4 2022
***Heavy rain and flooding a concern for portions of southeast
Alaska with multiple atmospheric river events***
...General Overview...
An active weather pattern is expected across the Alaska domain for
the middle to end of next week, particularly across the southern
mainland and across the southeast panhandle region with an
onslaught of Pacific moisture surging inland. A strong storm
system is progged to cross the Bering and affect western Alaska by
the middle of the week with gusty winds and high seas. Much of
the region remains within a broad upper trough by the end of the
forecast period, with a broad upper low situated over the northern
Gulf.
...Guidance/Predictability Assessment...
The 12Z guidance suite remains in above average agreement on the
synoptic scale through the end of the week, and thus a
multi-deterministic model blend worked well as a starting point.
The GFS has trended weaker with the Bering Sea system, and the CMC
slightly slower with its arrival. By the end of next weekend, the
CMC has less of a signal for a low across the Gulf region, whereas
the ensemble means still support the idea of having a broad low
pressure system in this region. This maintains good continuity
from the previous WPC forecast.
...Sensible Weather and Potential Hazards...
An impactful and long duration heavy rainfall event is likely
across portions of the southeast Panhandle during this forecast
period, with multiple atmospheric rivers impacting the region.
There will likely be some lulls during this time period, mainly
Wednesday night into early Thursday, with a renewed surge next
weekend possible. Anomalous moisture flux oriented nearly
orthogonal to the terrain will likely lead to daily 1-2+ inch
rainfall maxima for the southern portion of the Panhandle, and
weekly totals reaching into the 6-12 inch range are well within
the realm of possibility for interior portions of the panhandle
bordering British Columbia. This could lead to flooding and
enhanced runoff concerns, and this is something that will
continued to be closely monitored. Elsewhere across the state,
isolated to scattered showers are possible each day, mainly across
central and southern portions of the mainland. In terms of
temperatures, readings are expected to range from the 50s across
western Alaska, and mainly 60s and perhaps some lower 70s for the
lower elevations of the Interior.
Hamrick
Additional 3-7 Day Hazard Information can be found on the WPC
medium range hazards outlook chart at:
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/threats/threats.php
WPC medium range Alaskan products including 500mb, surface
fronts/pressures progs and sensible weather grids can also be
found at:
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/alaska/ak_5dayfcst500_wbg.gif
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/alaska/akmedr.shtml
https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/alaska/ak_5km_gridsbody.html