British Columbia, Canada, is currently battling over 180 wildfires . About 70 per cent of the fires were caused by lightning — 700,000 strikes between June 30 and July 1 , a detection network uncovered. The intense heat left hundreds of people dead . Lytton town registered 49.6 degrees Celsius, a record high for Canada.
Urban areas often experience higher temperatures in summer — referred to as ‘Urban Heat Island ’ — caused by buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorbing solar energy .
The July 1995 heat wave in Chicago, Illinois, caused over 700 deaths . Scientists predict that the US Midwest could endure similar heatwaves nearly thrice a year by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase.
Heat-related illnesses are marked by increased sweating , cramps , confusion , dizziness, nausea , and fatigue, among other symptoms. The elderly and children under 4 years are at a greater risk for heat stroke, which can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and other muscles.
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