Fact Check: "Temperatures soared 20 degrees above normal across the Northern Plains."
What We Know
The claim that "temperatures soared 20 degrees above normal across the Northern Plains" is not supported by the available climate data for October 2023. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the average temperature for the contiguous U.S. in October was 56.1°F, which is 2.0°F above the historical average. While some areas experienced above-normal temperatures, parts of the central and northern Plains reported below-normal temperatures. Specifically, the report indicates that temperatures were below average in these regions, contradicting the claim of a 20-degree increase.
Additionally, the October 2023 Climate Summary highlights that while there were instances of warmer temperatures at the beginning of the month, the latter part saw significant drops, with some areas experiencing subzero temperatures and snowfall. This further undermines the assertion that temperatures soared dramatically above normal.
Analysis
The claim lacks credible support when evaluated against reliable sources. The primary source, the National Centers for Environmental Information, provides a comprehensive overview of October's climate, indicating that while there were warm periods, they were not uniform across the Northern Plains. The assertion of a 20-degree increase appears exaggerated, especially given that the data shows below-normal temperatures in significant portions of the region.
Moreover, the October 2023 Climate Summary notes that the month ended with colder weather, including the first snowstorms of the season, which further contradicts the claim of soaring temperatures. The reliability of these sources is high, as they are produced by reputable climate monitoring organizations that utilize extensive data collection and analysis methods.
In contrast, the claim lacks attribution to any specific data or credible source, raising questions about its accuracy and reliability. The absence of supporting evidence from recognized climate data further diminishes its credibility.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "temperatures soared 20 degrees above normal across the Northern Plains" is false. The data from reputable sources clearly indicates that while some areas experienced warmer temperatures, significant portions of the Northern Plains reported below-normal temperatures, particularly towards the end of October. The assertion of a 20-degree increase is not substantiated by the available climate data.
