This Rare, Clear View Of Alaska Is A Bad Sign

NASA/Jeff Schmaltz, LANCE MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC Caption: Adam Voiland

Alaska's south coast is known for being the cloudiest region of the United States, but a NASA satellite picture taken on Monday, June 17, provides a rare, clear view of the state's mountains, rivers, and forests. 

The unusual sight is related to a heat wave currently gripping the state. Record-breaking temperatures are fueling wildfires and causing flooding from the breakup of ice in mountain streams.

"The same ridge of high pressure that cleared Alaska's skies also brought stifling temperatures to many areas accustomed to chilly June days," NASA wrote.

On the same day this photo was captured, temperatures in the Alaskan town of Talkeetna hit a sweltering 96 degrees, just two degrees shy of the highest temperature ever recorded in the state, the AP reports.