Eli5 || Why is Alberta/Saskatchewan usually colder than Anchorage, Alaska in the winters even though Alaska is nearer the arctic circle?

Question

Eli5 || Why is Alberta/Saskatchewan usually colder than Anchorage, Alaska in the winters even though Alaska is nearer the arctic circle?

In: 0

Answer 1

Anchorage is close to the ocean. The ocean stores heat from the sun very well (it has a great thermal capacity) so the air that passes over the ocean is warmed somewhat.

Alberta and Saskachewan are landlocked areas and don’t benefit from the air being warmed by the ocean.