A very cold upper level Arctic low will be dropping south Thursday through the weekend. This will bring a much colder airmass to the area with snow levels slowly dropping to around 2000 feet across the Interior by Sunday night. Abundant moisture from a low in the Gulf of Alaska will bring rain and snow showers, with accumulating snow likely near Coldfoot, along the Richardson Highway through the Alaska Range, and across summits of the Dalton Highway, Ray Mountains, and White Mountains. Other areas above 1500 feet will see a mix of rain and snow. Highs will struggle to break 45 degrees even in valleys from Friday through Sunday, so areas that don't see snow will see cold rain. Winds will also be breezy, mainly on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday with gusts to around 25 mph. Travelers should expect difficult travel conditions at times along portions of the Dalton Highway, over Eagle Summit along the Steese Highway, and along the Richardson Highway through the Alaska Range. Outdoor recreationists should be prepared for very chilly and wet conditions.
