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

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

What We Know

On June 18, 2023, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a heat advisory for Fairbanks, Alaska, indicating that temperatures were expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) for the first time under this specific advisory classification. This marked a significant change in how the NWS communicates extreme heat events in Alaska, as previously, similar weather conditions were addressed through "special weather statements" rather than formal heat advisories (AP News).

The advisory was prompted by a forecast that predicted temperatures significantly above the average for mid-June, which can be as much as 15-20 degrees higher than typical for that time of year (Washington Post).

Analysis

The claim that parts of Alaska, specifically Fairbanks, would be under a heat advisory for the first time is supported by the recent administrative changes made by the NWS. According to meteorologists, this change was intended to better inform the public about the potential dangers associated with high temperatures, especially since Alaska's infrastructure is not typically equipped to handle such heat (AP News).

While Fairbanks has experienced temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the past, the issuance of a heat advisory is a new practice that reflects an increased recognition of the health impacts of extreme heat in the region (New York Times). This shift is particularly relevant given that many buildings in Alaska lack air conditioning, making residents more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses during such events (Washington Post).

The advisory itself does not indicate that the temperatures are unprecedented in an absolute sense, but rather that the classification of such temperatures as a "heat advisory" is a new development for the state (AP News).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that parts of Alaska, specifically Fairbanks, would be under a heat advisory for the first time ever, with temperatures expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit on June 18, 2023, is accurate. This reflects a significant change in how the NWS categorizes and communicates extreme heat events in Alaska, highlighting the growing recognition of the health risks associated with such temperatures in a region that is not accustomed to them.

Sources

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