Alaska Extended Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
740 PM EDT Sun Aug 28 2022
Valid 12Z Thu Sep 1 2022 - 12Z Mon Sep 5 2022
...General Overview...
An active weather pattern is expected across the Alaska domain for
the beginning of September, particularly across the southern
mainland and across the southeast panhandle region with an
onslaught of Pacific moisture surging inland. A strong storm
system crossing the Bering will weaken as it tracks southeast
across western Alaska, and then redevelops as a triple point low
across the northern Gulf of Alaska. Heavy rainfall and potential
flooding will continue to make weather headlines from the Kenai
Peninsula/Anchorage eastward to the southeast Panhandle region.
...Guidance/Predictability Assessment...
Models and ensembles have a good overall depiction on the strong
low pressure system reaching western Alaska by Thursday, and the
GFS is more in line with the model consensus in terms of strength
compared to its earlier weaker runs. As the main gyre settles
southward across the northern Gulf region, timing differences
become apparent with individual shortwaves pivoting around it,
while the main trough axis remains in decent agreement. A general
deterministic blend through Friday works as a starting point in
the forecast process. Going into next weekend, models differ on a
wave developing along the front just south of the Aleutians, with
the CMC more out of phase here compared to the GFS/ECMWF, and also
on a weak upper ridge axis trying to build in across the Interior.
A gradual increase in the GEFS/EC means works well for the Sunday
and Monday time period.
...Sensible Weather and Potential Hazards...
Multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall are expected from
the Kenai Peninsula and greater Anchorage area to the southeast
Panhandle region. Expected rainfall totals have increased between
Anchorage and the St. Elias Mountains compared to yesterday's
forecast, with generally 3-6 inches likely with isolated higher
totals for the Thursday through Saturday time period. The
atmospheric river then gradually shifts eastward and brings
another sustained period of moderate to locally heavy rain for the
Panhandle over the weekend with several inches of additional rain
likely across the favored terrain. Anomalous moisture flux
oriented nearly orthogonal to the terrain will likely lead to
daily 1-2 inch rainfall maxima, and this could lead to flooding
and enhanced runoff concerns. 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 the southern coastal areas, and mainly 60s for
the lower elevations of the eastern 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