Cloud Formations Signal Winter's End in Southern Alaska
Winter 2026 concluded with notable atmospheric phenomena over southern Alaska, as observed by NASA's Terra satellite on March 19, 2026. The satellite captured striking cloud formations over the Gulf of Alaska, indicating atmospheric instability. A low-pressure system over the Gulf combined with high pressure over eastern Russia and northern Alaska, resulting in cold Arctic air moving southeast over the Alaska Peninsula. This setup led to the formation of cloud streets, parallel bands of clouds formed when cold, dry air moves over warmer ocean water, gaining moisture. As the air mass travels further over the sea, these cloud streets mature into open-cell clouds, characterized by thin wisps surrounding empty pockets. Additionally, von Kármán vortex streets were visible near Unimak Island, formed by winds diverted around elevated areas. A polar low, a small cyclonic formation, was also observed southwest of Anchorage, bringing tropical storm-force winds and snow. 
