Headlines of Fairbanks, AK newspaper
As the front page of the Fairbanks Daily News Miner reminds us of the cold snap, some people, mesmerized by the idea of living in such temperatures still ask, “What’s it like at 40 below? In pictures, I’ve recreated the last few days for just this question.
6 am perspective on the day: ice fog and blowing snow
Temperature at 6 am
Things just don’t work as well during this kind of weather. For example, cars refuse to start. A word to the wise–do not rent a car in Anchorage during extremely cold weather unless you inquire as to whether they are suited for travel out of town. Most Anchorage rental car agencies do not generally offer winterization (i.e. a plug in) for vehicles that may travel north. One of our guests had their own car from Canada that required an entire day with a space heater on the block to try to heat it up enough to start after being left overnight in 40 below temperatures.
You will see cars with hoods open, and other people stopping to help; it is an unwritten rule that you stop to help someone who’s car is stopped along the road (summer or winter, I might add). Perhaps this is part of the comradery of living here, an empathy of having been in the same situation where someone stopped to help them too. Are we better for it? I think so.
But I digress. Ah, there is the beauty of stark contrasts. The following photos document today’s weather: still 40 below, but relatively clear skies. Is it these views that create the wonder that keeps us here?
10 am sunrise coming over the hills
View from the University of Alaska: clear and (still) cold
Posted by elawn 
AllAboutAlaska 