Clear, cold and windy for mainland Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - As the world hits Leap Day, north winds and Arctic air are combining to lower temperatures and wind chills over Alaska. Anchorage will see temperatures about 20 degrees below normal.

The cold airmass affecting the state through the rest of the week is associated with high pressure. Low pressure is rotating over the Gulf of Alaska. With high pressure to the north and low pressure to the south, winds are flowing from high to low pressure. The north winds will increase in intensity over gap areas like mountain passes and valleys.

Wind chill advisories are in place over the North Slope, along the Dalton Highway and into Northwest Alaska for wind chills to 55 below. Blowing snow will also be an issue.

Wind chill advisories are also in place over the Alaska Range. Winds will gust 45 to 55 mph which will drive wind chills to 55 degrees below zero.

Anchorage will be cold, along with much of Southcentral Alaska. North winds stick around through Thursday night. Clear and dry weather conditions mean sunny days, but with windy and chilly conditions.