Juneau hits 70 degrees for the first time in 2017

Published 4:25 pm Thursday, May 18, 2017

Alaska’s capital city saw a high temperature of 71 degrees Tuesday, hitting the 70-degree mark at Juneau International Airport for the first time in 2017. It was Juneau’s first 70-degree day since August 28, according to the National Weather Service.

Fairbanks also recorded its first 70-degree day of the year.

Juneau reached 70 degrees almost two weeks earlier than normal. Since 1942, Juneau’s first 70-degree day has averaged May 29.

In the frigid summer of 1970, Juneau didn’t see a 70-degree day until July 26. In 2003, Juneau saw a 70-degree day on April 24, the earliest on record.

Since the start of accurate recordkeeping at the airport, Juneau has averaged 19 70-degree days per year. In 1973, there were only two. In 2004, there were 42.

The National Climate Prediction Center is estimating an above-normal chance for warmer-than-normal temperatures this summer.