Fact Check: Fairbanks has recorded temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit twice in 2024, indicating that the current heat advisory does not reflect unprecedented temperatures.

Fact Check: "Fairbanks has recorded temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit twice in 2024, indicating that the current heat advisory does not reflect unprecedented temperatures."

What We Know

In 2024, Fairbanks, Alaska, did indeed experience temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit on two occasions. This information was confirmed by meteorologist Alekya Srinivasan from the National Weather Service, who stated that the issuance of a heat advisory does not indicate unprecedented heat levels, as Fairbanks has reached this temperature before in the same year (AP News). The National Weather Service's decision to issue heat advisories in Alaska is a recent administrative change, allowing for better public communication regarding unusual weather conditions (NBC Bay Area).

The advisory was issued for temperatures expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered unusual for June in Fairbanks, but not unprecedented given the earlier occurrences of 90 degrees in the same year (ABC News).

Analysis

The claim that Fairbanks recorded temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit twice in 2024 is supported by credible sources, including the National Weather Service and various news outlets. The context provided by meteorologists indicates that while the heat advisory is significant, it does not reflect a new record for Fairbanks, as similar temperatures have been recorded previously (Newsweek, Gizmodo).

The sources used in this fact-check are reputable, with the National Weather Service being a primary authority on weather-related information. The Associated Press and NBC Bay Area are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The information aligns across multiple reports, reinforcing the reliability of the claim.

Moreover, experts like Rich Thoman from the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy emphasize that the issuance of heat advisories is more about public awareness than about unprecedented temperature records. This perspective helps clarify the nature of the advisory and its implications for residents in a region not typically accustomed to high temperatures (AP News, ABC News).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Fairbanks has recorded temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit twice in 2024 is accurate, and the current heat advisory does not indicate unprecedented temperatures. The advisory represents a shift in how weather information is communicated rather than a reflection of record-breaking heat.

Sources

1. The National Weather Service issues Alaska’s first ever heat advisory
2. National Weather Service issues Alaska's first ever heat advisory
3. National Weather Service issues Alaska's first-ever heat advisory
4. Alaska Issued With First Ever Heat Advisory
5. Alaska Just Issued Its First-Ever Heat Advisory—and It Won't Be the Last
6. Baked Alaska in State's First Heat Alert
7. West Coast Wind Blog: Alaska Heat Wave, First Heat Advisory
8. The National Weather Service issues Alaska's first ever heat advisory