Nome, Alaska to Lower 48: What Polar Vortex?

The residents and government of the city of Nome, Alaska are unimpressed with the whining they heard this winter.

1 minute read

April 1, 2014, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Nome, Alaska - The Office of Mayor Denise Michels released a statement earlier this week in response to claims that this winter was more difficult than normal in many parts of the United States.

Included in the statement: “Which Polar Vortex? Oh, that Polar Vortex? We call that Thursday.”

At a press conference to announce the statement, Mayor Michels asked reporters, “Did you hear what happened in Atlanta?” before slapping her forehead and exhaling pure disgust.

“I just want to offer you all some perspective,” said Mayor Michels. “Here in Nome, the average January temperature is 5.2 °F. That’s -14.9 °C for those of you living it up in Canada all winter long.”

Mayor Michels reminded the Lower 48 that although highs may breach the freezing point 2-4 times per month from December to March, Nome experiences 74-75 days a year when temperatures fall to 0 °F (-18 °C) or lower.

Michels concluded the press conference with an invitation: “If you think you can handle that, you’re welcome in Nome any time. We’ll grab a beer and watch the Seahawks game or something.”

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 in Planetizen April 1st Edition

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View from inside car's driver seat while driving.

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians

Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.

45 minutes ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions

An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

July 10 - The Markup

Protester at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles holding sign that says "Housing is a human right"

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?

The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

July 10 - Shelterforce Magazine

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA