ALASKA — For the first time, Alaska's National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, with Fairbanks expected to reach temperatures above 85°F (29°C) on Sunday.

While the state has experienced high temperatures before, this marks the first time such conditions are formally labeled under a “heat advisory” rather than a “special weather statement.”

Meteorologists say the shift is designed to better communicate the seriousness of elevated temperatures to the public.

“This is an important statement,” said Alekya Srinivasan, a Fairbanks-based meteorologist. “We want to ensure people understand the potential dangers of heat, especially in a state not used to it.”

Fairbanks has topped 90°F in past summers — including twice in 2024 — but experts emphasize this administrative change is about clarity, not climate records.

“This isn’t unprecedented heat or driven by climate change,” said Rich Thoman, a climate specialist at the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy. “It’s about providing clearer, more impactful communication.”

Unlike most of the U.S., many homes and buildings in Alaska lack air conditioning and are designed to retain heat.

That makes brief warm spells more uncomfortable — and in some cases dangerous — especially when wildfire smoke prevents residents from opening windows to cool their homes.

“Buildings can heat up quickly if smoke is in the air,” said Thoman, adding that Fairbanks has experienced more than 100 hours of smoke-related visibility reduction for three consecutive years — a record.

While heat advisories can now be issued in Fairbanks and Juneau, Anchorage’s weather office is still developing a plan. Officials say the city hasn’t yet met the threshold for issuing such an advisory this summer. — Agencies