National Weather Service Will Cut Rural Alaska Staff By Two-Thirds
![White and dark grey building next to snowy airstrip at Nome Airport.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/National-Weather-Service-Nome-Alaska-Building-Tyler-Stup-1200x800.jpg)
NWS is replacing manual weather balloon launches with Finnish-made automatic launchers in its 12 rural-Alaska weather stations.
Shrinking Sea Ice
![An aerial view of near-shore ocean ice near the village of Shaktoolik, Alaska.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2016-01-08-static-misc-001-2432px-1200x800.jpg)
KNOM airs three daily reports of sea ice location in Western Alaska. This information has been especially important lately, as local sea ice cover has continued to decline, year over year, bringing severe impacts to our listeners.
Amid Renovations, Nome’s UAF Campus Remains a Crossroads of Regional Interests
![UAF Northwest Campus director, Bob Metcalf, stands in the hallway of the newly renovated education center. Photo Credit: Davis Hovey, KNOM (2018)](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BobMetcalf_EducationCenter-2-1200x798.jpg)
There are lots of new things happening these days at Nome’s branch of the University of Alaska–Fairbanks, including the campus buildings themselves, which have recently seen upgrades from multi-million-dollar renovation projects.
Now in the Forecast: Sea Ice
![Two people, wearing heavy parkas, hold long poles with iron hooks at the end, standing on sea ice, with a large vessel in the background.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2006-03-26-misc-nov-static-001-1200x919.jpg)
Information on the extent of ocean ice, especially close to shore, is essential for Western Alaska residents during the cold months. Thanks to you, listeners now hear this information as part of KNOM’s weather forecasts.
Kivalina and Chukchi Coast Communities Prepped for Flooding, Erosion, Possible Evacuation
![](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Arctic-Sunset-1200x800.jpg)
The National Weather Service recently issued a coastal flood warning for Kivalina, Shishmaref, and Point Hope, which is in effect until 6pm Wednesday evening. One Kivalina resident says if evacuation becomes necessary, then all willing members will be brought to the school.
Climate and Weather Data Show Significant Changes In Nome, Bering Sea, and Alaska
![National Weather Service Models' projections of sea-ice freeze up for 2017-2018. Photo/Graphic courtesy of Rick Thoman with NWS (2017)](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Sea-Ice-Data.jpg)
National Weather Service observations show that, since 1900, water temperatures in the Bering Sea between June and August have been gradually rising. With that in mind, NWS says a weak to moderate La Niña is possible in Alaskan waters this winter.
Double-Barreled Blizzards
![Ed and Margaret, holding an "Ambassador WRN" sign outside KNOM's studios.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2016-12-06-static-miscellany-003-2432px-1200x800.jpg)
Two storms of exceptional strength ripped through KNOM country at the end of 2016. They’re the latest reason why KNOM’s weather forecasts are so important — and why our mission is partnering in a new way with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Hunting, fishing, bears, and weather
The change of the seasons is upon us, and the tundra is changing color. The last of the berry picking and seasonal canning is taking place. Hunting and fishing activities are winding down, and freezers are filling with cuts of fish and meat. Last week, at least one bear was spotted in and around homes in a […]
Weather reports, and two more Goldie awards
Please pray with us for KNOM friends and family in areas struck by Hurricane Sandy. We pray for a rapid recovery for the devastated communities. May God watch over them as they rebuild. As our temperatures approach zero, the blustery winds remind us how treacherous the weather can be — day or night. KNOM continues […]
Summer challenges: weather broadcasts and telephone lines
Rural Alaska’s brief summer brings more than its share of unique challenges, many of which we can anticipate. Every year, nonetheless, unexpected emergencies find a way of catching us by surprise. This summer, our friends at the National Weather Service are working with KNOM to overcome their latest difficulties. Normally, weather reports air on both […]