Some N.W.T. communities have been warned of heat this week, with temperatures expected to reach 30C in some Arctic regions.
The Canadian Environmental Climate Change (ECCC) has issued warnings to Aklavik, Inuvik, Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells, Tulita, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and the surrounding area.
ECCC Warning Preparation Meteorologist Natalie Hasell said that heat waves are more common in the southwestern part of the country than . In the community, it is unheard of for hot temperatures in the Arctic.
Measurements of 38C in Siberia in 2020 raised concerns about extreme weather and human-induced warm climates.
In the northwestern region, the "heat warning program" has only existed since 2017.
In 2017, no thermal warning was issued in this area.
In 2018, Hasell said there were "some" thermal warnings.
In 2019, South Slave and some communities in the Dehcho region were warned from July 17th to 25th, but in 2020 A heat warning spread north to the port of Sacks in Urkaktok. , Paulatuk, Tuktoyaktuk, Aklavik, Inuvik, and Tłı̨chǫ and South Slave regional communities.
In 2021, Hassel stated that the heat dome that occurred in BC affected all communities throughout the country and region.
Hasell said the data show that there is a precedent for rising temperatures in the northern communities of the region, and that climate change is considered a "significant" factor. ..
Hasell further pointed out last year's heat dome, stating that it was due to climate change and human activity, but acknowledged that natural changes were also a factor.
"We also know that the northern region is far more affected by climate change than the rest of the country," she said. "So perhaps climate change is playing a bigger role and we're looking at it at these warmer temperatures."
Regional Heat Dome
Dave Phillips is a senior climatologist at ECCC.
He said it was the duration of the heat warning that was important.
"One day events always happen, but it's a hassle to set up, lock in, and get events in a non-moving pattern," says Phillips. ..
He points to Norman Wells as an example, stating that the Sahtu community can be seen "if not long" for seven consecutive days above 30 ° C.
"I Don't think there was a place in Canada that spent more than 5 days above 30 degrees this summer."
Trigger a heat warning Phillips said that the nights need to be over 28 degrees and 13 degrees for two consecutive days.
Phillips said that the current northern heat wave "produced some of the most devastating and worst weather in Canadian history" is the same as last year's historic heat dome. Said that it is a characteristic of the weather.
"The dome is now north of the Arctic, just above .Inuvik, Aklavik and Norman Wells," he said, adding that the dome is also part of Yukon. ..
Phillips said that warm temperatures were not caused by global warming, but human activity intensifies extreme weather.
"Weather comes from so many different triggers, factors, and sources, and it's a false reaction to say that it was caused by climate change," Phillips said. rice field. "Did it make it worse? It did."
Keep cool
In Inuvik, the temperature on Monday reached 31C. To keep cool, residents take to the lake, drink cold drinks, and near fans if possible.
One resident, Marshall Brown, said he was "the most nutritious possible."
Brown said he is trying to "relax as much as possible" as there are no air conditioners in town where you can buy . ..
N.W.T. Bureau of Health and Social Services,wears loose clothes, hydrates, closes curtains to avoid sunlight, takes a cool shower, if possible Suggests to visit an air-conditioned building.
This department is responsible for keeping children and pets out of parked cars and for infants, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses who are at high risk of harming their health. We encourage residents to check in frequently. Impact.
Both Hasell and Phillips warned that air quality was deteriorating in some areas due to nearby wildfires.
"The combination of smoke and heat is particularly stressful," Hassel said, adding that it makes it even more important for risky groups to take precautions.
Symptoms of severe fever include dizziness, nausea, headache, extreme thirst, and decreased urination. People who feel sick due to extreme heat should see a doctor.