Although the severity of a dayslong heat wave was waning, both the U.S. and Canada reported a record-high number of deaths amid the intensely hot weather.
In Oregon, state officials reported 63 deaths related to scorching temperatures. Multnomah County, where Portland is, reported 45 of those deaths alone. The county medical examiner notated hyperthermia as the preliminary cause of death. From 2017 to 2019, Oregon only reported 12 deaths from hyperthermia.
Portland shattered its hottest temperature record day after day, hitting 115 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday. The heat melted streetcar cables shutting down public transportation and buckled interstate highways forcing detours.
In Spokane, Washington, firefighters found two people dead from heat-related illnesses Wednesday. Like Washington and Oregon, many homes in Canada don’t have air conditioning.
At least 486 people have died in British Columbia since Friday afternoon. Officials in Canada’s westernmost province said it was a 195% increase over deaths expected during the five days and predicted the number could climb even higher. Not all of the deaths were a direct result of the heat.
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“As we continue to experience unusually high temperatures in the province, it is very important that we look out for our family, friends and neighbours – particularly those who live alone,” said British Columbia chief coroner Lisa Lapointe. “People can be overcome by the effects of extreme heat quickly and may not be aware of the danger.”
Temperatures reached 121 degrees Fahrenheit Tuesday in Canada.
“We’ve been seeing more and more of this type of extreme weather event in the past years,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said after a moment of silence Wednesday. “So realistically, we know that this heatwave won’t be the last.”
President Biden has pointed to climate change as a driving factor “of extreme heat and prolonged drought.” Several provisions in his initial infrastructure package sought to address the United States’ under-preparedness for severe weather changes amid climate change.