Here's why Alaska just issued its first heat advisory
Parts of Alaska are under heat advisories for the first time in recorded history, following the transition from a previous advisory system, according to officials.
The National Weather Service previously issued information about high temperatures using special weather statements. However, starting June 1, the weather service permitted heat advisories to be issued in Alaska, Adam Douty, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, told USA TODAY.
The National Weather Service might have implemented the new system "just to better convey the impacts" of the heat, Douty said.
Hawaii and the other 48 states in the contiguous United States already use heat advisories, making Alaska the last state to switch to the warning system.
Areas across the state are seeing highs in the upper 80s, according to Douty. However, further up north, temperatures dip, with areas of Alaska seeing temperatures in the 60s.
The heat advisory in Alaska will be in place from 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 15 to Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. local time, according to the National Weather Service.
Areas in the Central and Eastern Interior, including Tanana, Fairbanks, Fort Yukon and Eagle, should expect temperatures from 85 to 89 degrees.
"It'll definitely be warm, especially for Alaska's standards," said Douty.
There are also flood advisories in northern parts of the state, as ice and snow in the area could melt rapidly with the heat, according to Douty.
Some areas in Alaska are also under red flag warnings until 11 p.m. local time on Monday, June 16.
"A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are occurring or will occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous fires," according to the National Weather Service.
Areas under red flag warnings are:
Dalton Highway Summits
Yukon Flats
White Mountains
High Terrain South of the Yukon River
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Alaska has issued its first heat advisory
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