2021 Northwest heat dome was deadlier than previously believed, according to new report

A new report from the University of Washington says the heat dome of 2021 was likely more deadly than officials previously thought.

Previous estimates stated that more than 110 people died from the heat dome between June 26 and July 2, 2021, but now UW researchers estimate that more than 400 people died from direct and indirect heat-related causes during that time.

According to the report:

"More Washingtonians will be vulnerable to extreme heat in the future due to the state’s aging population, urbanization, and climate change. Climate models project 4 to 6°F summer warming in the Pacific Northwest in the 2050s relative to the last half of the 20th century and the number of extreme heat days is projected to increase on the order of five-fold by the 2050s."

Researchers say the region needs to address the problem with a portfolio of strategies to avoid issues like power failures, which can limit the effectiveness of other efforts.