Colder weather and chance of snow ahead for Southcentral Alaska

Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley largely escaped the effects of freezing rain forecast overnight into Friday, but colder temperatures and a chance of snow are headed for much of Southcentral Alaska later this weekend.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities described conditions on the Parks Highway as difficult Friday morning, with black ice and patches of ice along the road.

Additional freezing rain was possible Friday night into Saturday, forecasters said.

Predictions are calling for a new pattern of colder weather, bringing the probability of snow for much of Southcentral Alaska by Sunday. Precipitation is expected to cross Southcentral from west to east between Sunday and Monday, with “rain likely changing to snow,” according to a short-term forecast discussion by the Weather Service.

The agency said the timing and amount of any snow remained unclear but based on a weakening weather system and the wet ground, generally light snow accumulation is expected.