National Weather ServiceAlaskaExtreme Cold WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Extreme Cold Warnings in Alaska
The National Weather Service issued 7 extreme cold warnings for Alaska in 2025 and 7 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 6th most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, in line with the average of 6 for those months in 2008-2025. Central Beaufort Sea Coast was covered most often (53 times since 2008).
How many extreme cold warnings does Alaska get?
Every extreme cold warning that covered part of Alaska. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2008 | 12 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Alaska get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Alaska?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Beaufort Sea Coast | 53 | 4 | February 8, 2026 |
| Eastern Beaufort Sea Coast | 36 | 4 | February 8, 2026 |
| Western Arctic Coast | 32 | 3 | February 8, 2026 |
| Northeastern Brooks Range | 22 | 0 | February 5, 2022 |
| Southeastern Brooks Range | 12 | 0 | December 20, 2022 |
| Northwestern Brooks Range | 11 | 0 | January 10, 2019 |
| Northern Arctic Coast | 10 | 1 | February 8, 2026 |
| Upper Kobuk and Noatak Valleys | 7 | 0 | December 25, 2019 |
| Yukon Flats and Surrounding Uplands | 6 | 0 | December 31, 2021 |
| Upper Tanana Valley and the Fortymile Country | 5 | 0 | February 1, 2022 |
| Municipality of Skagway | 5 | 5 | December 19, 2025 |
| Deltana and Tanana Flats | 5 | 0 | January 3, 2022 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is an extreme cold warning?
An extreme cold warning means dangerously cold temperatures or wind chills that can cause frostbite and hypothermia quickly. It replaced the wind chill warning in 2024-2025. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. AreaZine's counts include the wind chill warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Alaska.