Heat advisory for Arctic Plains near Umiat runs until 10 p.m. Thursday

People working outdoors on the Arctic Plains near Umiat face temperatures as high as 80 degrees Thursday under a National Weather Service heat advisory that stays in effect until 10 p.m. AKDT.

The advisory covers the Western Arctic Plains and Central Arctic Plains. NWS Fairbanks identifies the affected area as the Central Arctic Plains near Umiat. Forecasters rate the severity moderate. Temperatures are expected to cool into the low 50s overnight.

NWS Fairbanks points to the unusually hot temperatures themselves as the condition driving the advisory. The agency warns that people not accustomed to such heat for this region may experience heat-related illnesses as a result. Agency guidance notes that outdoor workers, elders and people without cooling are the most exposed when temperatures reach around 80 degrees, and it urges residents to check on vulnerable neighbors.

"Take extra precautions when working in the sun. Wear sunscreen and lightweight, loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke," the advisory said.

This is the second consecutive day of the same advisory. NWS Fairbanks first issued it Wednesday morning, carrying it through Thursday evening, then reissued it at 5:48 a.m. Thursday.

The office issued the same advisory for the same two zones repeatedly in July, with forecast highs between 80 and 85 degrees. Alaska News has previously reported that the first half of 2026 ran below normal statewide, the coolest January through June in Alaska since 2012.