The Nation - News from July 8, 1986
Temperatures soared to 93 degrees in Bettles, Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle, as the state was gripped by a heat wave. Nenana in central Alaska reported 95 degrees, hotter than Miami Beach, Fla. For nine consecutive days, Fairbanks, also in central Alaska, had highs averaging 87 degrees; the normal high is 73 degrees. It drops to 50 below there in winter, giving the city a temperature spread of 137 degrees. The unusual weather was attributed to a warm air mass that is heated by 22 hours of sunshine daily. The heat spawned lightning strikes that started fires throughout the state.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
