Fact Check: "June 2023 set to become hottest month on record in Spain."
What We Know
In June 2023, Spain experienced an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 46°C (114.8°F) in the town of El Granado. This temperature was reported by Spain's national weather service, AEMET, which indicated that this was a new record for June and that the month was on track to be the hottest June on record for the country (BBC, NY Times). The extreme heat prompted health warnings across various regions, with authorities urging the public to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours (DW).
The heatwave affected not only Spain but also other parts of Europe, with multiple countries reporting temperatures exceeding seasonal norms. For instance, Portugal and Italy also faced severe heat, with temperatures reaching 46°C and 43°C respectively (NY Times, Washington Post).
Analysis
The claim that June 2023 set to become the hottest month on record in Spain is supported by multiple credible sources. AEMET's announcement regarding the record temperature of 46°C in El Granado is a key piece of evidence. This temperature not only surpassed previous June records but also indicated a broader trend of increasing heatwaves in Europe, attributed to climate change (BBC, DW).
The reliability of the sources is strong; both the BBC and the New York Times are reputable news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The data provided by AEMET, Spain's official meteorological agency, adds further credibility, as it is the authoritative source for weather-related information in Spain.
Moreover, the broader context of climate change contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves lends weight to the claim. Scientists have noted that heatwaves are becoming more common due to climate change, with June heatwaves now being significantly more likely than in pre-industrial times (NY Times).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that June 2023 is set to become the hottest month on record in Spain is substantiated by credible evidence, including the record temperature of 46°C reported by AEMET. The context of increasing heatwaves due to climate change further supports this assertion. The combination of these factors leads to the conclusion that the claim is indeed true.
