Sun Sets for the Final Time in Alaska

news image
Special Stories
19 Nov 2021 6:06 PM
Utqiagvik, Alaska (formerly known as Barrow) has entered what is known as "polar night". That means the sun has set for the final time and won't rise again for another 65 days! Set your calendar reminder for January 22nd, 2022 because that's when Utqiagvik will see the sun again (pending cloud cover!) https://twitter.com/NWSFairbanks/status/1461478544987492353 On Thursday as the sun was setting around 1:30 p.m. local time, the city had a very decent sunset and night sky! https://twitter.com/Climatologist49/status/1461481301106561027 Right now, we are about two-thirds of the way between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice. In this image above, just go about two-thirds of the way left of where it says Sep 22-23 and that’s where you’ll find where we currently sit. Note the Northern Hemisphere, where Utqiagvik is, and how the location tilts away from the sun at this point of the year. The tilt is so great that, relative to ground level in northern Alaska, the sun never lifts above the horizon during parts of the winter. So it’s a goodnight to the folks in Utqiagvik until next year. Conversely, northern Alaska experiences non-stop daylight around the Summer Solstice where the sun never sets for weeks on end.
All Weather News
More
Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

While much of the country will be impacted by

24 Jan 2026 10:25 AM
Rare Winter Storm Threatens Over 200 Million

Rare Winter Storm Threatens Over 200 Million

A rare winter storm is expected to impac

24 Jan 2026 10:15 AM
Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

During the winter months, many of us are no s

24 Jan 2026 10:10 AM
Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

For much of this winter season, the Southwest

24 Jan 2026 10:05 AM
Snow Continues for the Great Lakes, Northeast

Snow Continues for the Great Lakes, Northeast

A high pressure center has moved in across th

23 Jan 2026 11:15 AM
Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Sub-freezing temperatures made their way into

20 Jan 2026 10:30 AM
Dangerous Cold follows Weekend Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains

Dangerous Cold follows Weekend Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains

MONDAY AM UPDATE: WEEKEND SNOW TOTALS: MERCER

19 Jan 2026 11:00 AM