Fact Check: "For the first time ever, parts of Alaska will be under a heat advisory on June 18, 2023, specifically in Fairbanks, 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 this designation has been used in the state. The advisory indicated that temperatures were expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) during this period (AP News). Prior to this change, Alaska had only issued "special weather statements" regarding heat, which did not convey the same level of urgency or potential danger as a heat advisory (Washington Post).
The forecast for Fairbanks included temperatures of 82 degrees on Friday, 84 degrees on Saturday, and 86 degrees on Sunday, with similar warm conditions expected to continue into the following week (FOX Weather). This shift in terminology was implemented to better communicate the risks associated with high temperatures, especially since many buildings in Alaska are not equipped with air conditioning (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Alaska issued its first heat advisory on June 18, 2023, is supported by multiple credible sources. The AP News article explicitly states that this is the first heat advisory for the Fairbanks area, confirming the unprecedented nature of the advisory. Furthermore, the National Weather Service's decision to issue heat advisories instead of special weather statements reflects a recognition of the increasing temperatures and their potential impact on public health (Washington Post).
While Fairbanks has experienced temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the past, the issuance of a heat advisory is a new administrative measure aimed at enhancing public awareness about heat-related risks (AP News). Experts have noted that while these temperatures are not record-breaking for the state, they are significantly above the average for mid-June, which typically sees much cooler weather (FOX Weather).
The sources used in this analysis are reliable, with the AP News and Washington Post being well-respected news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The information provided is corroborated by meteorological data and expert commentary, lending further credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim is accurate as it is supported by credible reports confirming that for the first time, parts of Alaska, specifically Fairbanks, were placed under a heat advisory on June 18, 2023, with temperatures expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This change reflects a new approach by the National Weather Service to communicate the risks associated with unusually high temperatures in Alaska.
