Residents of Haines Junction, Yukon, can expect a rainy start to the week, but conditions are set to clear just in time for the weekend. According to Environment Canada, rain is in the forecast from Tuesday through Friday, June 16 to 19, with the heaviest downpours likely on Thursday. Daytime highs will hover around 15°C Tuesday through Thursday, though Friday could see temperatures reach 22°C despite the rain.
The wet weather will make for slippery roads and reduced visibility, so anyone driving through town or heading out on the Alaska Highway should take extra care. However, once Friday passes, the clouds are expected to break up. Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, are looking like a mix of sun and cloud with highs climbing to 22°C and 23°C, well above the June average of 18°C.
This is good news for the about 600 people who live here and for visitors passing through on their way to Kluane National Park and Reserve. The park is a big draw this time of year, and the warm, dry weekend will be perfect for hiking, camping, or just enjoying the long daylight hours. Sunrise is around 4:37 a.m. and sunset not until around 11:44 p.m., so there is plenty of time to get outside.
Forecasts from The Weather Network and AccuWeather agree on the overall pattern, though they differ slightly on how much rain falls each day. The Weather Network points to Thursday as the wettest day, with around 15 mm of rain possible. After that, a high-pressure system builds in, bringing the clearing trend that should last into the following week.
As of midday Monday, the temperature at the Haines Junction weather station sat at 15°C with a light west wind and low humidity, typical for this time of year. But the shift to weekend sunshine will be a welcome change for local businesses that depend on outdoor tourism, like guides and flightseeing operators. Whether you are a local or just visiting, it looks like the best days to be outside are just around the corner.
