Heat wave on South Coast could rival temperatures of deadly summer of 2009
Heat wave on South Coast could rival temperatures of deadly summer of 2009
Unprecedented 2009 heat wave changed how health officials respond to extreme temperatures, says researcher
Lisa Johnson · CBC News · Posted: Aug 01, 2017 5:55 PM MST | Last Updated: August 2, 2017
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The summer heat and yellowed skies hitting the B.C. South Coast this week may not seem like a big deal but statistically speaking — the combination is potentially deadly.
Environment Canada has issued special weather and air quality statements for the Lower Mainland, warning of a heat wave that could see temperatures in the mid to high 30s inland starting Wednesday.
That may change, with smoky skies blocking the sun somewhat.
But if the forecasts hold, this week could rival the unprecedented and deadly heat wave of 2009, said Sarah Henderson, senior environmental health scientist at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
- High temperatures prompt B.C. health authorities to warn of heat-related illness
- Why heat is more dangerous for seniors
That summer, over seven days, 110 more people died than would be seen in an average summer week in the region, said Henderson, who studied the 2009 heat wave that changed how officials respond to heat in the region.
“Before 2009, we didn’t even think that type of event was possible in the Lower Mainland,” said Henderson.
Now, something like it — with wildfire smoke on top — could again claim lives.
“Unfortunately, it’s likely,” said Henderson, which is why officials are responding to the threat with water fountains, cooling centres, misting stations and warnings to the public — trying to avoid that fate.
“My hope would be that even if we see temperatures that are equivalent to the 2009 event, we wouldn’t see the same magnitude of impact on the population.”
City braces for ‘extreme weather’
Heat is the main killer, said Henderson, although fine particulate matter from wildfires is also adding to the physiological strain.
As of 9 a.m. PT, Wednesday, the Air Quality Health Index had reached “high risk” for parts of the South Coast, including:
- Metro Vancouver NE — 7
- Metro Vancouver NW — 7
- Eastern Fraser Valley — 8
- Whistler — 7
- Squamish — 7
“The city is bracing for extreme weather,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson.
“This [smoke and heat] is an unusual combination for Vancouver, although with climate change we’re seeing more and more of these extreme weather events.”
The City of Vancouver announced its
