Bethel, 60°47'N 161°50'W, 125 ft a.s.l.
The two main topographical features affecting the climate of Bethel are the Bering Sea, which is about 100 miles to the west and southwest, and the Kilbuck Range of mountains located about 40 miles to the east and southeast of the station. This range, averaging about 4,000 feet in height, extends, roughly, in a north-south direction in that portion nearest to Bethel. Some 160 miles southeast of the Kilbuck Range the Aleutians, extending in a northeast-southwest direction, provide an additional natural barrier to many of the storms originating on the outward end of the Aleutian Chain and moving out through the Gulf of Alaska. Both ranges tend to direct some of the storms northeastward into the Bering Sea, and thus directly affect the Bethel area. During invasions of such storms, it is not uncommon for wind velocities to exceed 50 mph. Maximum speeds usually accompany northeast winds in the winter and southeast winds in the summer. During the winter season, strong southerly winds tend to be considerably affected by the mountains to the south, producing, at times, a pronounced foehn (chinook) effect. Temperatures have risen almost 50 degrees in less than 24 hours under these conditions.
The climate is somewhat more maritime than continental in character, which tends to modify daily temperature extremes during most of the year. However, there are usually two periods during the year when the area becomes affected by continental climatic influences. In June and July, temperatures in the area rise noticeably under the influence of warmer continental air. Around the latter part of December and early January, cold, clear continental air becomes quite dominant, and the climate of Bethel becomes quite similar to other areas located farther inland. Average temperatures through the entire winter season, however, are considerably higher than those experienced in the Alaskan interior, and temperatures for the entire summer season average considerably cooler than in the Alaskan interior. The last date of freezing temperature in spring averages late May, and the average of the first freezing temperature in autumn falls in early September, resulting in a growing season slightly over 100 days. Cabbages, potatoes, cauliflower, beets, turnips, lettuce, and carrots are successfully grown. August is usually the wettest month of the year.
Thunderstorms are rare. The few thunderstorms that do occur are generally short in duration, but rather severe. They usually develop and move out of the northeast during the months of June and July.
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