Alaska Extended Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
536 PM EST Thu Dec 07 2023
Valid 12Z Mon Dec 11 2023 - 12Z Fri Dec 15 2023
...Multi-day Heavy Precipitation and High Wind Threat from
South-Central/Alaska Range to Southeast Alaska...
...Guidance Evaluation/Preferences...
A wet pattern on tap for next week. Guidance offers a reasonably
similar larger scale pattern evolution for Alaska and vicinity
next week, but significant differences and run to run continuity
issues have emerged early in this forecast period with smaller
scale system interactions and stream phasing. Accordingly, prefer
a blend of 12 UTC GEFS/NAEFS/ECMWF ensemble means to mitigate
variances as consistent with individual system predictability.
This plan seems to offer a good forecast basis for the mid-larger
scale pattern evolution, the main weather hazards and WPC product
continuity.
...Weather/Hazards Highlights...
An unsettling upper trough position should linger next week over
the mainland as reinforced by less certain shortwave energies.
Meanwhile, a main storm genesis pattern will emerge just to the
south of the state next week with the development and poleward
track across the Gulf of Alaska to the mainland of a series of
complex and deepened low pressure/frontal systems as stream flows
uncertainly interact. The systems will offer a maritime to coastal
high wind/wave threat. Deep layered and long fetch moisture will
also feed inland by enhanced wind flow around these storms, with
main focus over South-Central/Alaska Range through Southeast
Alaska. Expect a multi-day period with periodic surges of heavy
precipitation in the form of coastal rains with potential runoff
issues due to the protracted accumulation that will also be a
factor for heavy inland/terrain/mountain snows. Additionally,
gusty terrain enhanced winds expected for this region along with
gap and downslope Chinook winds to the lee of the Alaska Range
into the southern Interior next week.
Schichtel
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