Alaska Issues First-Ever Heat Advisory Amidst Climate Change Concerns
Alaska issues its first-ever heat advisory for Fairbanks on Sunday, with temperatures predicted to exceed 85°F (29°C). This is not due to record-breaking heat, but rather a change by the National Weather Service from using less impactful “special weather statements” to advisories, aiming for improved public awareness of potentially dangerous conditions. The shift doesn’t reflect unprecedented temperatures or climate change impacts but acknowledges the effect of heat in a region with limited air conditioning and increasing wildfire smoke. While Anchorage isn’t yet issuing heat advisories, plans are underway to do so in the future.
John Q. Hosedrinker