Fact Check: For the first time ever, parts of Alaska will be under a heat advisory, specifically for Fairbanks on June 18, 2023, where temperatures are expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius).

Fact Check: "For the first time ever, parts of Alaska will be under a heat advisory, specifically for Fairbanks on June 18, 2023, where temperatures are expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius)."

What We Know

On June 18, 2023, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Fairbanks, Alaska, marking the first time such an advisory was issued for parts of the state. The advisory indicated that temperatures were expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) during this period (source, source). This change in terminology from "special weather statements" to "heat advisories" was part of an effort to better communicate the severity and potential dangers of high temperatures in Alaska, which is not accustomed to such heat (source, source).

Analysis

The claim that Fairbanks would be under a heat advisory for the first time is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The Associated Press and Washington Post both reported on the issuance of the heat advisory, confirming that temperatures were forecasted to reach 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This is significant as it reflects a shift in how the National Weather Service communicates heat risks in Alaska, which has historically not issued heat advisories due to the state's cooler climate.

While Fairbanks has experienced temperatures above 85 degrees in the past, the issuance of a heat advisory is a new administrative change rather than an indication of unprecedented weather conditions (source). Experts noted that the criteria for issuing such advisories were established to enhance public awareness of heat-related risks, especially since many buildings in Alaska are not equipped with air conditioning (source).

The reliability of the sources is strong, as they come from established news organizations and official weather service reports. The information is corroborated by climate specialists who emphasize that while high temperatures are not unprecedented, the communication method is new and aimed at improving public safety (source, source).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that parts of Alaska, specifically Fairbanks, were under a heat advisory for the first time on June 18, 2023, is accurate. The temperatures were indeed expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and this marked a significant change in how the National Weather Service communicates heat risks in the state.

Sources

1. Alaska's first ever heat advisory issued for Fairbanks area
2. Part of Alaska is under a heat advisory. That's a first.
3. Monthly Climate Reports | Annual 2024
4. Monthly Climate Reports | National Climate Report | July 2024
5. Alaska's first-ever Heat Advisory issued as Fairbanks sees ...
6. Incontournables en Alaska - Que faire, que voir, que visiter