Ottawa-Sana
Today, Canadian police announced that about 43 sudden deaths were recorded as a result of the unprecedented heat wave that hit Canada and the northwestern regions of the United States since the beginning of the week.
Canadian government sources said that the temperature in Leighton, British Columbia, rose to 46.6 degrees Celsius last Sunday, breaking the record set 84 years ago.
Both the United States and Canada warned citizens of "dangerous" heat levels that could continue this week.
Experts say that climate change is expected to increase the frequency of unprecedented weather conditions such as heat waves.
The demand for air conditioners and fans has increased dramatically, and cooling shelters have suddenly appeared, which people resort to to escape the heat. Some bars, restaurants, and even at least one of the swimming pools are considered inoperable due to the heat.
"Temperatures in parts of western Canada are higher than in Dubai and there is a possibility that the temperature could rise to 47 degrees Celsius," said David Phillips, chief climate scientist at Environment Canada.
Environment Canada suggested that "a long, dangerous and historic heat wave will continue this week, as temperatures are expected to be 10 to 15 degrees Celsius higher than their normal average and reach about 40 degrees Celsius in many areas."
The northwestern regions of the United States bordering the Pacific Ocean witnessed record-breaking temperatures, especially in parts of Washington and Oregon.
The National Weather Service in the United States described the current heat wave as "historic" and said that these conditions will continue during the week, with record temperatures expected.
