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Flying Wild Temperatures in Alaska

Jan 18, 2012; 9:17 AM ET

We all know Alaska has been seeing record snowfall this year, and record cold, but they've also had some huge temperature swings. The NWS talks about 24-hour swings of 50 degrees in the link; A swing of 61 degrees happened (up AND down) in Bettles, Alaska over a 4-day period:

Here are some more statistics:

- Fairbanks averaged 18 degrees below normal for the first half of January (-25.9 F). They have fallen below -40 eleven times already (vs. a normal 4/month). They also broke their record streak of snowy days.

- As of week ago, Cordova (in southern Alaska) had received 184 inches of snow.

- 40 stations in southern Alaska have broken daily snowfall records already this month:

Below is an excellent video to give you an idea of what Valdez, Alaska residents are going through (they've already received their normal winter snowfall -- over 300 inches!)

"Extreme snow in Valdez, Alaska from anchoragedailynews on Vimeo.

The snowfall has been extreme this winter in Valdez, even for a city used to lots of snow. When the weather cleared, many were busy trying to move it from streets and roofs and reopen schools. Valdez residents discuss how they've handled the 322 inches of snow that had fallen by January 13, 2012. Video by Marc Lester. Contributed photos courtesy the Shidner family.

Here are some news articles that we have written over the last couple weeks on the subject:

- Fuel Ship Finally Reaches Nome, AK

- Fuel Ship Attempts To Reach Nome, AK

- Snowed In Alaskans

The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AccuWeather, Inc. or AccuWeather.com

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