Ready the rain gear, Anchorage. Wet, warm, gusty weather is blowing through the Anchorage area.
"We'll probably stay at or above freezing through the week," said National Weather Service meteorologist Shaun Baines.
A record high temperature of 46 degrees was set at Anchorage yesterday breaking the old record of 42 in 1961! #AKwx
— NWS Anchorage (@NWSAnchorage) December 11, 2017
Anchorage can expect temperatures in the low 40s Monday, with wind gusts as high as 80 mph, the weather service said. A high wind warning was issued for the Hillside, Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley.
Wind will calm somewhat but continue into Tuesday, according to the forecast. Road conditions are expected to worsen.
"The key feature is this high ridge of high pressure over the western U.S.," Baines said.
That dry air and wind has contributed to the fires in California, he said. The high pressure ridge is pushing warmer, wetter, windier weather up north, he said. It's not just affecting Anchorage. Juneau has been experiencing record-breaking warmth. And Thompson Pass this week had one of the most extreme snowfall rates on record.
After this week's unseasonable soggy episode, it should cool down and, in time for Christmas, possibly snow, he said.
"That's what we're hoping," he said.