Arctic Heat Wave

Some N.W.T. communities are under a heat warning this week with temperatures anticipated to hit30C in some Arctic regions.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued the warning for Aklavik, Inuvik, Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells, Tulita, Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic and surrounding areas.

Though Natalie Hasell — a warning preparedness meteorologist with ECCC — said itsmore common for heat waves to occur in southern N.W.T. communities, its not unheard of to have higher temperatures in the Arctic.

A38C reading in Siberia in 2020 raised concerns over extreme weather and human induced warming climate.

In the Northwest Territories, a heat warning program has only existed since 2017.

In 2017 no heat warnings were issued in the territory.

In 2018 Hasell said there were some heat warnings.

In 2019 there were warnings issued for communities in the South Slave and parts of the Dehchoregion from July 17-25, however in 2020 heat warnings stretched as far north as Sachs Harbour, Ulukhaktok, Paulatuk, Tuktoyaktuk, Aklavik and Inuvik, in addition to Tłı̨chǫ and South Slave region communities.

In 2021, Hasell said the heat dome, originating in B.C., impacted the entire country and all the communities of the territory.

Hasell said the data indicates there is precedent for raised temperatures in the territorys northern communities, and said she suspects climate change is a significant factor.

Hasell further pointed to last years heat dome and said that has been attributed to climate change and human activity, though she acknowledged that natural changes are also a factor.

We also know that areas in the North are affected by climate change much more than other parts of the country, she said. So, perhaps climate change is playing a greater role and were seeing that in these warmer temperatures.

Heat dome over region

Dave Phillips is a senior climatologist with ECCC.

He said whats important is the duration of the heat warnings.

One day events happen all the time, but to get them for a pattern that sets up and locks in and doesnt move, then that is troublesome, Phillips said.

He pointed to Norman Wells as an example saying the Sahtu community could see seven days in a row if not longer of temperatures above 30C.

I dont think theres been a place in Canada this summer that can say theyve had more than five days above 30 degrees.

To trigger a heat warning, Phillips said there must be two consecutive days above 28 degrees and 13 degrees at night.

Phillips said the current northern heat wave is the same weather feature as last years historic heat dome, which created some of the most destructive and deadliest weather in Canadian history.

That dome is now north of the Arctic Circle and its sitting right over Inuvik and Aklavik and Norman Wells, he said, adding that the dome sits over parts of the Yukon as well.

Phillips said that althoughthe warm temperatures are not caused by global warming, human activity does intensify the extreme weather.

Weather comes from so many different triggers and factors and sources, and to say that was caused by climate change is the wrong response, Phillips said. Did it make it worse? It did.

Keeping cool

In Inuvik Monday temperatures hit31C.To keep cool, residents tookto the lake, drankcold beverages and stayednear fans when possible.

One resident, Marshall Brown, said hes been in the most vegetative state possible.

Brown said theres no air conditioners available to purchaseanywhere in town, so hes trying to relax as much as possible.

The N.W.T. Department of Health and Social Servicessuggestswearing loose fitting clothing, staying hydrated, closing curtains to avoid the sun, taking cool showers and visiting air conditioned buildings when possible.

The department reminds residents not to leave children or pets inparked cars, and to check in often on young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic illness who are at higher risk of adverse health impacts.

Hasell and Phillips both warned that air quality was worse in some areas because of nearby wildfires.

A combination of smoke and heat is particularly stressful, Hasell said, adding that the combination makes it even more important for groups at risk to take precautions.

Symptoms of severe heat illness include dizziness, nausea, headaches, extreme thirst and decreased urination. Anyone feeling unwell due to the extreme heat should seek medical attention.