The influence of the Northern Pacific is largely responsible for the climate of the South Central and South Eastern regions of the state. The annual precipitation is very high in relation to the remainer of the state, and the lack of extreme cold or hot temperatures speak of the maritime influence.
The Bering Sea, flux of interannual sea-ice, and high winds from strong storm are all features that influence the climate of the West Coast. Also, the climate is influenced from the extreme nature of air masses in the Interior, making the West Coast region a truly transitional zone.
The climate of the Interior region of Alaska is the most extreme in terms of temperature range. Its continental location, isolated by the Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north, allows temperatures in the summer to climb into the 80°F and higher range and winter temperatures dip into the minus-40° F and minus-50°F range, as well as lower. The mountain ranges also limit the amount of precipitation that falls in the Interior by limiting the advection of moisture.
Finally, the influence of the Arctic Ocean and the persistent sea-ice pack is felt in the Arctic region. Annual average temperatures in Barrow are on the order of 8-12°F, and precipitation is very light, with only 4.5" of precipitation falling at Barrow, on the average.
Climate regions as classified by Stafford et. al. (2000), Theoretical and Applied Climatology