Washington, 11 July. The National Weather Service (NSW) on Monday warned of “excessive heat” conditions in Arizona and California, as well as in Texas, as authorities today asked to reduce the demand for electricity that is increasing due to rising temperatures.
After a weekend of record-high temperatures in Texas, the NWS forecast temperatures will reach 113 F (45 C) today in Washington, Waller, Austin, Colorado and Grimes counties.
“Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illness, especially for those who work or participate in outdoor activities,” the agency warned.
Forecasters expect temperatures to exceed 100 F (38 C) in the Grand Canyon and from Indian Park to Phantom Ranch in southwestern Arizona, with similar signs from Ocotillo Wells to California’s Lucerne Valley.
The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages that state’s power supply network, asked residents to reduce their electricity demand Monday, especially between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The agency said it does not anticipate the need for blackouts and estimates that electricity demand will exceed 79 gigawatts today, another record high.
But it’s not the most intense and prolonged heat that has plagued Texas’ power grid: In February 2021, the state experienced an energy crisis as a result of storms that affected the southern United States.
More than 4.5 million homes and businesses have been without power for days, and the state Department of Health Services has estimated that at least 246 people have died from the snow and storms.
The NWS also warned of temperatures between 90 and 100 F (32 and 38 C) in most of Texas, northern Oklahoma, southern Kansas, northern California and southern Oregon. EFE
GAP / Eames / Junior
