Honestly, if you’re looking at a map of Alaska and expecting one single "temperature," you’ve basically set yourself up for a headache. This state is massive. Like, "Texas fits inside us twice and we’d still have room for a couple of New Englands" massive.
So, when you ask what the temp in Alaska today is, you're actually asking about four or five different climates having a simultaneous identity crisis. Today, January 15, 2026, is a perfect example of that chaos.
The Interior: Where Your Breath Turns to Ice
If you’re in Fairbanks or anywhere in the Interior today, it’s legit cold. We’re talking "don't touch a metal door handle with your bare hand" cold. The current reading is hovering around -26°F.
Earlier today, the high barely clawed its way up to -15°F. That might sound brutal, but for the locals, it’s just Thursday. There’s a light wind coming out of the east at about 3 mph, so at least the wind chill isn't trying to actively delete your skin. Humidity is sitting at 72%, which is actually quite high for air that cold, making the atmosphere feel thick and frosty.
Anchorage and the Southcentral Shuffle
Down in Anchorage, things are a bit more "mild," if you can call it that. The mercury is sitting closer to 17°F, but don't let that fool you. There is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect starting at 6:00 PM tonight.
We’re looking at a serious dumping of snow—likely 3 to 5 inches by the time the morning commute hits tomorrow. If you're driving Thompson Pass, forget about it. Winds there are gusting up to 50 mph. It’s basically a whiteout waiting to happen.
The Southeast: The "Warm" Exception
Then you’ve got Juneau. Juneau is the cousin who moved to the coast and forgot what real winter looks like. Today, they’re sitting at 36°F with light rain. It’s soggy, it’s grey, and the humidity is a damp 93%. While the rest of the state is freezing, Juneau is just... wet.
Why Alaska Temperature Today is Defying the Norms
You might have heard that we’re in a La Niña cycle this year. Usually, that means "cold and dry" for us. But 2026 is proving to be a bit of a rebel.
- The Humidity Factor: Usually, when it’s -20°F, the air is bone dry. Today, we’re seeing high humidity across the Interior, which is keeping the heat from escaping back into space but also making the cold feel much more "piercing."
- The Polar Vortex Lobes: Meteorologists at the National Weather Service have been tracking a "disturbed" vortex. It’s sliding south toward the Midwest, which actually leaves some parts of Alaska—specifically the Aleutians—feeling weirdly warm compared to their usual January standards.
- Record Comparisons: Just for context, the record low for this time of year in Bethel was -45°F back in the 50s. So, while -26°F is objectively freezing, we aren't quite breaking the history books today.
Dealing With the Deep Freeze: Pro Tips
If you're actually in the state right now or planning a last-minute trip (you brave soul), here’s the reality of surviving these temps.
- Forget Fashion: Layers are everything. But specifically, you need a moisture-wicking base. If you sweat even a little bit while shoveling snow and then stop, that sweat turns into an ice jacket.
- Vehicle Care: If your car isn't plugged in (block heaters are mandatory lifestyle choices here), there’s a 50/50 chance it won't start in the Interior today.
- The "Square" Rule: In the Southcentral regions like Wasilla and Palmer, the wind can change the "real feel" by 20 degrees in ten minutes. Always carry a "ditch bag" in your car with extra blankets and a shovel.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Week
Looking at the 24-hour horizon, the Interior is going to stay locked in this deep freeze with lows dropping back toward -27°F overnight.
Meanwhile, the Southcentral region is bracing for that transition from snow to potentially freezing rain. That’s the real danger. Snow is fine; you can drive on snow. Freezing rain turns the Glenn Highway into an ice rink.
👉 See also: 33 Fahrenheit to Celsius: Why This Tiny Margin Above Freezing Actually Matters
If you're tracking the Alaska temperature today for travel or just out of morbid curiosity, keep an eye on the National Weather Service updates for the specific borough you're interested in. A 50-mile drive in this state can mean a 30-degree temperature swing.
Next Steps for You:
If you're prepping a vehicle for these conditions, check your coolant mix to ensure it's rated for at least -40°F. For those traveling to Anchorage, download the Alaska 511 app immediately to track road closures before the Winter Weather Advisory kicks into high gear tonight.