B.C.'s chief coronor says a recent spike in deaths may have been caused by the recent record-breaking heat wave.
Between Friday and Monday, temperature records were broken in Western Canada, with parts of B.C. hitting 44 Celsius and even higher. Lytton broke Canadian records, becoming the hottest place in Canada on June 28 at a scorching 47.9 degrees. It hit 47.5 degrees today in Lytton.
B.C. Chief Coronor Lisa Lapointe said 233 British Columbians died between Friday and Monday. A typical average for a four-day period would be 130 deaths, she said.
While the causes of all these deaths are not yet determined, it's likely that some of those deaths would have been caused by heat stroke.
"Since the onset of the heat wave late last week, the BC Coroners Service has experienced a significant increase in deaths reported where it is suspected that extreme heat has been contributory," Lapointe said. "Coroners are carefully gathering all information available for each death reported, to determine the cause and manner of death, and whether excessive heat played a role."
Infants, the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk of fatal heat stroke.
While the worst of the heat wave is almost over, Wednesday will still be unseasonably hot, with daytime temperatures in Metro Vancouver ranging from 28 to 32 degrees -- still hot enough to cause heat stroke.
Temperatures are expected to beging cooling down Thursday to the mid-20s, where they will remain through the rest of the week and into Sunday, according to Environment Canada.
