Fact check: The context behind Austria’s June peak temperatures – manipulation or misunderstanding

It is often said that the truth lies somewhere in between. When it comes to the claim “Temperatures around 35 degrees never existed before,” this saying seems to be particularly true. The statement came from a meteorologist - an outcry on social media promptly followed.

But what's really behind it? Can we believe the accusations of manipulation or “fooling”? The answer is – as is often the case – more complicated than it seems at first glance.

The power of context

The controversy began with an interview by the Austrian “Kronen Zeitung” with meteorologist Klaus Reingruber , published on June 17, 2022. It was discussed that temperatures of 35 degrees had not previously occurred. Now picture collages on social media that are intended to prove the opposite.

But a crucial context is missing: the sentence specifically referred to the month of June. Reingruber himself emphasized to the “Correctiv” that his answer referred to June and not the entire summer.

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Expert statement

Reingruber's full statement was: "It's true that temperatures of 34 or 35 degrees are unusual, that didn't happen before." As we now know, this statement was specifically aimed at the month of June. But let's take a closer look at the context of this statement.

He pointed out that the first “small heat wave” of summer 2022 came unusually early: temperatures of up to 34 degrees were reached as early as mid-June. Reingruber made it clear that it doesn't happen often that things get "so hot so quickly."

Support from science

The Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) confirmed Reingruber's assessment. She pointed out that June 2022 was the fourth warmest June in lowland Austria since records began in the 18th century. In the mountains it was even the third warmest.

But even more worrying is the increase in so-called “heat days” – days with a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius or more. Compared to the reference periods 1961-1990 and 1991-2020, there were significantly more hot days in June 2022. At the University of Innsbruck, for example, 11 hot days were recorded. In the previous reference periods there were an average of 2 to 4 hot days.

Global trend

This trend can not only be observed in Austria. Over the years, the number of particularly hot days in June and July has also increased in Germany. The German Weather Service has documented a significant increase in temperatures for the period from 1881 to 2021. Climate researchers attribute this development to climate change.

Conclusion

The accusation of manipulation or “fooling” is based on a misunderstanding. An important context was lost on social media. Statements by meteorologist Klaus Reingruber about unusually high temperatures in June were taken out of context and heatedly discussed.

The fact is: temperatures are rising, not just in summer, but all year round. There are more and more hot days - even in months that should actually be cooler. Science agrees: we are feeling the impact of climate change. That's why it's more important than ever to stay informed, check facts and act responsibly.

Source:

DPA

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