Warm and Wet Halloween

Observation: Anchorage is having the warmest October on record with an average temperature of 43 degrees. That will beat the record set in 1936 and residents are remarking on the novelty of having green grass and rain on Halloween. The geese and ducks are still swimming in the little lake at the Alaska Native Medical Center. All the leaves have fallen off the trees so we are definitely ready for snow and everyone one is looking at the mountains wondering when the snow line will drop. There has been some good skiing at Hatcher Pass over the past couple of weeks, but it was so warm this week that rain was falling all the way up to the chalet. It will be definitely be warm and wet for trick or treating. Anchorage residents wonder if this is just more weird coastal weather or an indication of a lasting change in the timing of the winter season. Snow sport opportunities are among the top reasons why Anchorites love the winters here.