In recent days, an "incredible" level of heat has gripped several areas in Canada, transforming one of the coldest countries in the world into a region at risk due to a "historical" summer. A dominant "heat dome" over western Canada has caused record-high temperatures, prompting heat warnings on Sunday in three provinces and two areas near the Arctic.
More than 40 record temperature highs were recorded in British Columbia over the weekend, especially in the ski resort area of Whistler. Lytton in British Columbia has now set the record for the highest temperature in Canada at 46.6 degrees Celsius, according to Environment Canada. The previous highest temperature recorded in Canada was 45 degrees, in two cities in Saskatchewan in 1937.
High atmospheric pressure trapping air in the region is expected to lead to new record-high temperatures throughout the week.
Hotter than the Gulf
Environment Canada issued warnings for extreme heat in British Columbia and Alberta, as well as in parts of Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. It stated that "a prolonged wave of unprecedented and dangerous heat will continue throughout the week." The agency added that "temperatures will reach around 40 degrees in some areas by midweek," which is 10 to 15 degrees above the normal average.
David Phillips, the agency's chief climatologist, stated, "In some areas of western Canada, the temperatures are higher than those in the Arabian Gulf."
Air conditioners and fans have run out in stores, while centers have been established in cities for relief from the heat and to provide drinks. Vaccination campaigns against the coronavirus have been canceled, and schools have closed. Electricity consumption in British Columbia has reached very high levels.
On the other side of the border, the U.S. National Weather Service also warned of a "dangerous heat wave," particularly in the northwestern states of Washington and Oregon. It indicated that the heat wave will continue for most of the week, with expectations for daily and monthly record highs.
