Sitka’s temperatures soared to record-breaking highs this week and will likely stay above average through mid-February.

Sunday’s (1-28-24) peak temperature of 54 degrees broke the previous record of 49 degrees, set in 2003. And Monday’s (1-29-24) temperature matched the current record. National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Park said temperatures usually hover in the mid-30s this time of year.

“So, you know, we’re plus or minus 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit above normal,” Park said.

Park said the combination of warm air and strong winds can contribute to severe weather events, like the storm that downed trees and caused electrical outages Monday (1-29-24) in Sitka.

“Those are the ingredients you need — you need warm air aloft and strong winds,” Park said. “That’s how you do it.”

Park said Sitka has also experienced more rainfall than usual this month, and that pattern is likely to continue for the first half of February.

“For the next eight to 14 days, we look to have above-normal temperatures, and then precipitation-wise we look to be also above normal,” Park said.

In the second half of February, rainfall is expected to dip, and temperatures are expected to remain above historical averages.