March 1 marked the beginning of meteorological spring in Alaska. In Fairbanks, we are once again experiencing more than 10 hours of direct sunlight each day — a welcome milestone after the long Arctic winter. The sun climbs higher above the horizon, daylight is rapidly increasing, and there is a subtle but noticeable shift in the quality of light. Yet despite the return of longer days, winter is far from finished.
A Winter of Persistent, Deep Cold
At the Fairbanks International Airport this winter:
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- 24 days with temperature minimums at or below −40°F
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- Coldest temperature: −50°F (January 4)
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- No temperatures above 0°F from December 13, 2025 to January 14, 2026 — the longest such stretch in over 100 years
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- Meteorological spring began at −49°F
For comparison:
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- Long-term average (since 1930): 10.5 days below −40°F
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- 2016–2025 average: 2.1 days
This season has been dramatically colder than what Fairbanks has experienced in recent decades.
And a Snowpack to Match
Cold wasn’t the only story.
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- 38.9 inches of snowfall through February
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- Second snowiest February on record (behind 1966)
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- 38 inches of snow depth as of February 28
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- 17 inches above normal
With Arctic air masses still dominant across Interior Alaska, only gradual moderation is expected — significant spring warming is not yet on the horizon.