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Deadly Heat Dome: Canada's Worst Weather Event
27 Jun
Summary
- A 2021 heat dome caused at least 619 heat-related deaths in British Columbia.
- Record-breaking temperatures reached 49.6 C in Lytton, BC.
- The heat dome prompted significant changes in emergency response and building codes.
In June 2021, a prolonged heat wave, known as the western heat dome, subjected British Columbia to extreme temperatures. Kamloops resident Nicole Link experienced severe heat stroke, spending two weeks in an induced coma. This event is considered Canada's deadliest weather incident, claiming at least 619 lives between June 25 and July 1, primarily among seniors and those living alone in homes without adequate cooling.
Forecasters at Environment Canada alerted officials to the impending heat, which intensified as a high-pressure ridge stalled the warm air mass. Lytton, B.C., shattered national temperature records, reaching 46.6 C on June 27, then 47.9 C on June 28, and an unparalleled 49.6 C on June 29. The extreme heat overwhelmed emergency services, with 911 call response times significantly increasing.
The heat dome's devastating impact extended to the destruction of Lytton by wildfire on June 30, forcing immediate evacuations. In response to the crisis, British Columbia has since implemented new plans for extreme heat, established a Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, and introduced a colour-coded weather alert system. First responders have also seen improvements in staffing and support to address the increasing frequency of extreme weather events attributed to climate change.
