Fact Check: Extreme heat can exceed 40 degrees Celsius during heatwaves.

Fact Check: "Extreme heat can exceed 40 degrees Celsius during heatwaves."

What We Know

Extreme heat events, particularly during heatwaves, have been documented to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in various regions. For instance, during a recent heatwave in Europe, temperatures reached as high as 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in Spain, with reports of temperatures climbing to 46 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain areas like El Granado, which could potentially set national records for June if validated (The New York Times). Additionally, Italy and France also experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, with warnings issued for numerous cities due to the extreme conditions (AP News, CNN).

Analysis

The claim that extreme heat can exceed 40 degrees Celsius during heatwaves is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported that temperatures in parts of France could hit 42 degrees Celsius, while other reports confirmed that southern European countries like Italy and Greece also experienced similar extreme temperatures (The New York Times, Euronews).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations that follow journalistic standards for reporting. The data presented aligns with the broader scientific consensus on climate change, which indicates that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming (Hillsdale College).

Moreover, the Copernicus Climate Change Service noted that the current heatwave conditions are unusual but not surprising, as they correlate with the ongoing trends of climate change (The New York Times). This further substantiates the claim, as it highlights the increasing likelihood of extreme temperatures during heatwaves.

Conclusion

The verdict is True. The evidence clearly shows that extreme heat can exceed 40 degrees Celsius during heatwaves, particularly in southern Europe, where recent temperatures have surpassed this threshold. The consistency of reports from reliable sources reinforces the validity of this claim.

Sources

1. Bracing for Extreme Heat: Exploring 40 Degrees Celsius's Impact
2. What to Know About the Heat Wave in Europe - The New York Times
3. Europe's Heat Wave Is Dangerous and Still Getting Worse - The New York Times
4. Severe heat wave hits southern Europe | AP News
5. Europe swelters under severe heatwave as temperatures soar above 40 ...
6. Severe heat waves hit southern Europe as local authorities warn ... - CNN
7. European heatwave leaves Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece in ...