California Heat Wave Warning: Rising Temperature Could Lead to Blackouts Through Labor Day

A heat wave warning has been issued in California, with the state's grid operator noting that the high temperatures could result in blackouts.

Newsweek reported that California is facing a "prolonged late-summer heat wave." Temperatures were also seen to hit as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts, according to National Weather Service.

NWS San Diego office said that the long-duration heat wave is projected to last until Labor Day, advising them to plan ahead so citizens can stay cool and hydrated.

A heat wave warning has been imposed from 11 a.m. on Wednesday until 8 p.m. Monday, affecting a large area of Southern California, including Los Angeles County.

NWS noted that "dangerously hot" conditions are seen with peak temperatures of 95 to 112 degrees expected through Saturday, with 100 to 115 degrees on Sunday and Monday.

California Heat Wave Warning

NWS noted in an NPR report that the heat with very little moisture and low relative humidity will contribute to an increased wildfire risk across parts of the northern Great Basin and northern High Plains. The weather agency also said that temperatures are seen to be more than 10 degrees above normal.

NWS said that the region should expect a "prolonged and possibly record-breaking heat wave," bringing little relief overnight.

The heat watches and advisories stretch from Arizona to Washington state.

The California Independent System Operator has also asked state residents to take energy conservation steps as it expects that demand on Labor Day will mark the highest point this year.

NWS meteorologist David Spector said in an NBC News report that a large dome of "strong high pressure" is formed over the Great Basin, which will then shift westward over California. Parts of southern Nevada and western Arizona are also under excessive heat wave warning from Tuesday to Sunday.

Around 52 million people are under heat alerts in the Southwest, Southern California, and the Pacific Northwest.

California Electric Grid Amid Heat Wave Warning

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Wednesday that will authorize the state grid to up its electricity supply as it prepares for the wave of demand in electricity during the heat wave, according to a Fox News report. Newsom said that the executive order would give the state of California more flexibility when it comes to ramping up the supply for its preparation for the heatwave.

However, ABC 7 News reported that there could be possible rolling blackouts if things get bad.

CAL ISO noted they will be using available resources and tools to meet the increasing demand for electricity.

Some of its measures include cutting back scheduled maintenance between noon to 6 p.m. from Wednesday until next Tuesday to ensure that there will be enough power for generation.

They also urged residents to raise their thermostats to 78 degrees while refraining from using large appliances and switching off lights when not in use.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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