Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
The first major meteor shower of the year, the Quadrantids, is set to reach its peak activity, offering skywatchers a dramatic but challenging start to the 2026 stargazing season. The Quadrantids are known for their short-lived yet intense peak, with ideal conditions sometimes producing up to 120 meteors per hour. These meteors are often fast, bright, and capable of creating colorful fireballs that streak across the sky. This year, however, viewing conditions come with a notable challenge. The shower’s peak coincides with the first full moon of 2026, a supermoon, whose brightness is expected to wash out many of the…
A widespread Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisory is in effect through the weekend for a large portion of Alaska, as dangerously cold air settles across the state and pushes windchill values to life-threatening levels. According to the National Weather Service, many communities are expected to experience windchills ranging from 40 to 70 degrees below zero, particularly across Interior and northern regions. Prolonged exposure to these conditions can lead to frostbite in minutes and significantly increase the risk of hypothermia. Meteorologists say the extreme cold is being driven by a strong Arctic high-pressure system, allowing dense, frigid air to…
The Chesapeake Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Janiyah Levita Ann Mumford, a 14-year-old girl who has been reported missing from Chesapeake. According to police, Janiyah was last seen on December 30, 2025. Authorities say every hour is critical as officers continue active efforts to determine her whereabouts. Janiyah is described as a 14-year-old female. She was last seen wearing a pink and black cheetah-print bonnet, a black coat with a brown fur hood, green joggers, and black shoes. Police noted that her hair is red and black. Anyone who has information about Janiyah’s location is…
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a Stage 2 Air Quality Alert for the North Pole Zone, citing conditions that could lead to unhealthy levels of air pollution. The alert is effective from Thursday, January 1, at 12:00 p.m. through Friday, January 2, at 2:00 p.m. During this period, burning is prohibited unless a NOASH (No Other Adequate Source of Heat) exemption is in place. Stage 2 alerts are typically issued during winter temperature inversions, when cold air traps smoke and other pollutants near the ground. These conditions can significantly reduce air quality, especially in Interior Alaska communities…
The application period for the Permanent Fund Dividend is now officially open, marking the return of Pick.Click.Give, a program that allows Alaskans to donate a portion of their dividend to charitable causes across the state. When applying for a PFD, residents can choose to support organizations they care about, including the Food Bank of Alaska, which helps address food insecurity in communities statewide. According to the Food Bank of Alaska, every $25 donated helps provide approximately 50 meals to neighbors in need. Program organizers say Pick.Click.Give offers a simple and flexible way for Alaskans to give back while completing their…
Skywatchers will have a striking celestial event to welcome the new year, as the first full moon of 2026 rises on the night of January 3. Known as the Super Wolf Moon, the lunar display will appear larger and brighter than an average full moon as it reaches its closest point to Earth during its orbit. Astronomy observers say the supermoon will dominate the night sky, offering excellent viewing conditions for anyone stepping outside after sunset. Clear skies will provide the best opportunity to see the Moon’s enhanced size and brightness without any special equipment. Adding to the spectacle, a…
Officials are advising residents that the Fox Well is currently closed due to freezing conditions. Facilities crews are on site actively working to thaw the well and restore service as safely and quickly as possible. The closure is precautionary, as freezing temperatures can impact well operations and equipment reliability. Also Read: Heads Up: Fox Well Temporarily Closed for Maintenance An update will be shared once the well has reopened and conditions allow normal operation to resume. In the meantime, residents are thanked for their patience and understanding as crews address the issue during extreme winter conditions.
Crews are continuing efforts to reopen the Klondike Highway after two avalanches came down onto the roadway, blocking travel and creating hazardous conditions. According to transportation officials, avalanche debris remains on the highway, and clearing operations are complex due to ongoing safety concerns in the area. Officials said the work is expected to take several days, and there is no estimated time of reopening at this point. Avalanche response and cleanup require careful monitoring of surrounding slopes to ensure conditions are safe for crews to operate heavy equipment. As a result, progress may be slow as teams balance roadway access…
Starting January 1, the Alaska State Parks is rolling out a new way for Alaskans and visitors to explore the state’s vast outdoor spaces with the launch of the Alaska State Parks Passport Challenge. The digital challenge invites participants to turn their park visits into a modern travel log, allowing them to collect digital passport stamps and badges as they explore Alaska’s diverse landscapes. From rugged coastlines and alpine trails to forested campgrounds and scenic overlooks, each visit becomes part of a growing personal record of outdoor adventures. Using the OuterSpatial app, users can check in at parks across the…
The Alaska State Parks is inviting the public to start the new year outdoors with a First Day Ski and Snowshoe event in the Kachemak Bay area on January 1, 2026. The gathering will take place at Eveline State Recreation Site, with participants meeting at noon. The event is open to all skill levels and offers a relaxed pace, allowing attendees to ski, snowshoe, or walk the trails while enjoying the winter scenery. Organizers say the event is designed as a casual New Year’s Day celebration, featuring guided tours, hot drinks, snacks from the grill, and a warming fire. Donations…
As winter conditions continue across Anchorage, officials are reminding cyclists that biking can remain a safe and reliable commuting option with the right preparation. A new winter cycling safety graphic highlights several key steps riders can take to stay visible, warm, and in control during cold and snowy weather. Transportation and health officials recommend adjusting tire pressure to improve traction on icy or snow-packed roads, along with wearing warm, layered clothing to protect against extreme cold and wind. Riders are also encouraged to plan routes in advance, choosing well-maintained roads and bike-friendly paths whenever possible. Visibility is a major concern…
The Alaska Railroad has announced the cancellation of the Aurora Winter Train for January 3–4, 2026, citing extreme winter temperatures along the rail corridor between Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Railroad officials said the decision was made to prioritize passenger and crew safety as severe cold conditions impact operations in Interior Alaska. Extremely low temperatures can affect rail equipment performance and increase safety risks along the route. To maintain essential access for remote residents, the Hurricane Turn Train will still operate on Saturday, January 3. The service will assist Flagstop residents traveling back to town from remote cabins, ensuring continued…