Alaska, like the lower 48 states, is setting record high temperatures but to a far greater extent. Alaska is 10F (5.5C) above average. For Alaska, or any sub-polar or polar region, increased warmth increases snow, ice, and permafrost melt. Earlier snow melt means the ground is darker, which means it heats up more. The same is true of ice. As permafrost melts it releases methane and carbon dioxide, further exacerbating greenhouse effects. This may also mean that next year will be warmer as well, because there will be less year-round snow, ice, and permafrost to act as a foundation to winter’s accumulation. Alaska is exhibiting the possible escalation that could happen throughout the northern range in Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia.
(Click on the map for the link.)