High pressure brings record August heat to Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - With temperatures in the upper 80s, Fairbanks is seeing record hot weather. According to the National Weather Service, Monday had a high of 88 that broke an over 100 year old record from 1919. Tuesday once again broke the record with an official high of 90, three degrees higher than the previous record.

“We’ve had an area of high pressure that’s moved over the area from Canada and it’s brought in these really warm temperatures,” said Alex Young, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Fairbanks.

He said that temperatures should continue to be into the 80s for the next few days before the normal rains of August move in over the weekend.

Young said this isn’t normal, “It’s not very common actually, only about 25% of the time do we see an 80 degree day in August at all, so to see four of them in one year is spectacular.”

We went to the Tanana Valley State Fair to ask fairgoers how they are dealing with the heat.

“Sit in the shade and then just drink some ice tea or something. Put some water in your hat, keep you cool,” said Theodore Hoeakstra.

Bucky Martin said, “Just drinking cold stuff. I was born in Florida so the heats nothing new. But I have been here for over 26 years, it’s not bad to me.”

“Usually it’s bring a raincoat and lots of layers, but this year a hat would be nice.” Jessica Farr said.

The National Weather Service says that water, shade and breaks are key to not getting overheated.

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