Fact Check: June 2023 rainfall in Yangtze region was up to twice the normal amount.

Fact Check: "June 2023 rainfall in Yangtze region was up to twice the normal amount."

What We Know

The claim that June 2023 rainfall in the Yangtze region was up to twice the normal amount lacks direct evidence from reliable sources. A study investigating rainfall variability in the Yangtze River basin from 1982 to 2021 indicates that June precipitation can be influenced by various factors, including sea surface temperature and sea ice conditions in the Barents-Kara Sea, which can enhance rainfall in the region (source-5). However, this study does not provide specific data for June 2023.

Additionally, a report on the state of climate in the Three Gorges Region indicates that annual rainfall was 11.2% below normal, suggesting that the rainfall levels were not significantly above average during that period (source-1).

Analysis

The claim of "up to twice the normal amount" of rainfall in June 2023 is not substantiated by the available data. The lack of specific rainfall data for June 2023 in the cited studies raises questions about the accuracy of the claim. The study on rainfall variability highlights the complex interplay of climatic factors affecting precipitation in the Yangtze region but does not confirm any extreme anomalies for that specific month (source-5).

Moreover, the report from the Three Gorges Region suggests a trend of below-normal rainfall, which contradicts the assertion of significantly increased rainfall levels (source-1). The forecast for the Yangtze River Basin indicates that exceptional deficits are expected in the region, further questioning the validity of the claim (source-4).

The reliability of the sources varies; while the scientific studies provide a basis for understanding rainfall patterns, they do not directly address the claim. The forecasts and assessments from reputable climate studies are more credible than anecdotal or unverified reports.

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that June 2023 rainfall in the Yangtze region was up to twice the normal amount is not supported by the available evidence. The data indicates a trend of below-normal rainfall rather than an increase. Further research and specific data for June 2023 are necessary to validate or refute this claim conclusively.

Fact Check: June 2023 rainfall in Yangtze region was up to twice the normal amount.