It's Cold, But It Could Be Colder

Three weeks ago, I was wearing shorts and wondering when it would finally get cold. After a very warm autumn with temperatures often pushing into the 80's, it's suddenly gotten cold around here. Despite an average high of around 50 degrees, we can't seem to get out of the 30's and the nights are frequently dropping into the teens and 20's. These past few days have been particularly biting with a brisk wind, a damp feel to the air and cold temperatures. Still, it could be worse and after checking the Alaska webcams, something I like to do each day, I promise not to complain about any future temps.

The current temperature in Louisville...


And the current temperature and live webcam view of Fairbanks, Alaska (and yes, before winter is over, Fairbanks will see temps near 60 below zero)...


I used to live in Alaska, well sort of, I lived in Anchorage, but it's still really close to the real Alaska. The year we were there was one of the coldest and snowiest in history but we never saw temperatures like they get in the Interior. Dad likes to talk about the time his military unit was doing field operations north of Fairbanks and the temperature never climbed above 70 below zero. Needless to say, the equipment, including the helicopter he flew, kept freezing up and wouldn't run. Six months later, he took a picture of himself crossing the Arctic Circle at midnight under a bright sun, wearing shorts and nothing else. It's a strange place indeed and not just because they elected Sarah Palin Governor.