Over the next few days, Los Angeles County temperatures might reach 112 degrees, and Utah is now experiencing record heat for this time of year as a heat dome engulfs states in the Great Basin. Much of Southern California is still under an excessive heat warning, and it isn’t anticipated to end any time soon, according to a Newsweek story.
The risks of the heat: include being urged to avoid outside activities, drink plenty of water, and use as little energy as possible. The power company in California is urging consumers to use less energy, especially between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., known as “Flex” time, when the grid is normally under the most stress.
When a “Flex Alert” is issued, it means avoiding plugging in electric vehicles, keeping the temperature at 78 degrees, and avoiding using huge energy-guzzlers like dishwashers or washing machines. Even as people get ready to celebrate Labor Day, the last major holiday of the summer, the power supplier in California’s grid-vulnerable state warns of potential blackouts if homeowners don’t take certain precautions.
The #HeatWave is on, which will last through early next week.
Check out the highs we are forecasting for this afternoon 👇 #CAwx pic.twitter.com/JbErwQPgAa
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) August 31, 2022
According to The Los Angeles Times, the heat wave is anticipated to extend through Tuesday the next week. The officials cautioned Tuesday night in the Times story that “if weather or grid conditions worsen, the (independent system operator) may issue a series of emergency notifications to access additional resources and prepare market participants and the public for potential energy shortages and the need to conserve.” Over the long weekend, the operator of the electricity grid anticipates requesting voluntary energy savings from Californians via Flex Alerts. AccuWeather cautions that this heat wave will be widespread and prolonged.
“This heatwave will be notable due to its persistence: — day after day of extreme heat with temperatures in some locations near or exceeding 110 degrees for three or more days in a row,” says Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather. “Beyond the intensity of the heat and the fact that in many locations there will be little relief at night or at the coast, this heatwave will be notable due to its persistence.”Cali is not the only state. The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued a tweet warning that the state of Utah is experiencing seasonal temperatures that are 10 to 15 degrees above average.
High pressure will keep high temperatures across the area 10-15°F above seasonal normals through at least the weekend, resulting in record challenging temperatures. Here’s the forecast through Friday. Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day if possible. #utwx pic.twitter.com/VtBuIahVKY
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 31, 2022
The Beehive State has already had 25 days with temperatures of 100 degrees or higher, according to the weather service, and the pattern of triple-digit temperatures will continue. Ozone pollution brought on by the heat prompted alerts about the quality of the air from the Utah Division of Air Quality. Unhealthy pollution levels are predicted for the next three days, through Friday.
