An Analysis of the Classic Arctic Outbreak Event of Late
December 2008-Early January 2009 By Christian M. Cassell
Stratospheric Role | The 2008-2009 winter was characterized by
colder than normal temperatures and above normal snowfall for
each month from October through March. While there was no one
significant snow event that overshadowed any other this past
winter, a bitterly cold Arctic outbreak that persisted for more
than two weeks brought the coldest temperatures in a decade to
the Anchorage area, and grabbed headlines around the world for
extreme cold in interior parts of the state. This analysis will
show how the outbreak developed and how it was able to persist
for a prolonged period of time. *-Indicates a record low value
for that particular date. 1.    Summary of temperatures and
records from the outbreak The following chart is a breakdown of
temperatures and extremes at Anchorage during the two week
Arctic outbreak. **-Indicates tying or setting of the lowest
temperature of this decade (2000-2009)