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California and Texas ask to limit energy use to avoid blackouts due to brutal heat wave

2021-06-21T09:34:18.952Z


States like Utah, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, California, Wyoming, Montana warn of historic temperatures never before recorded. And experts warn that it may be the first of several heat waves this year.


First it was Texas and now California: State authorities have asked residents to limit their electricity consumption to avoid blackouts due to the brutal heat wave that hits the Southwest and continues to break records.

States like Utah, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, California, Wyoming, Montana are on alert for dangerous temperatures, which this week range 

between 90 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit and have sometimes exceeded historical records. 

Death Valley actually became the hottest place on the planet this Wednesday, registering 134 degrees (56.6 C).

Nearby, Las Vegas, Nevada, is forecast to hit 115 degrees.

Texas already asked residents this week to limit their use of electricity due to heat and a series of mechanical problems at power plants.

State authorities recommended

turning up the

thermostats,

turning off the lights and avoiding using

 powerful

appliances

until Friday.

[Texas asks to limit electricity consumption due to the risk of blackouts due to the extreme heat wave]

And the California Independent System Operator issued an alert, the

Flex Alert,

 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., urging people to set their thermostats to

78 degrees or higher and avoid using washing machines, dishwashers. and other major appliances.

Its chief executive, Elliot Mainzer, told The Associated Press news agency 

that blackouts are unlikely,

but added that that could change as temperatures rise and urged people to heed this alert sent to their cellphones. .

"Californians have contributed many times when they have been asked to help, and I'm sure they will this time too," he said.

Latinos who work outdoors are much more exposed to the dangers of the heat wave

June 16, 202101: 46

States on alert breaking records day by day

In the Southwest, in cities like Salt Lake City in Utah, the highest temperatures ever recorded were equaled.

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, reached 115 degrees on Tuesday, reaching its highest temperature of the year and the all-time record, tied with 1974.

Denver, Colorado, reached a high temperature of 101 degrees, breaking the previous record of 97 degrees.

People watch the sunset and a child drinks from a bottle on June 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, as temperatures soar in a heat wave early in the season.Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images

Records were also broken in Montana and Wyoming, compounding the risk of fires.

And the San Francisco Bay experienced its

"first real heat event of 2021,"

with temperatures ranging from 90 to 100 degrees.

More heat waves

Scientists studying the climate emergency say those who live in the West can expect more of the same in the coming years.

"The heat waves are getting worse because the soil is very dry" due to the drought in the region, said Park Williams, a fire and climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has calculated that

the soil in the western half the nation's driest since 1895.

"We could have two, three, four, five of these heat waves before the summer is over," Williams said.

Texans are forced to apply four measures to reduce electricity consumption during the heat wave

June 15, 202101: 43

 How to stay safe during the heat wave?

If you are in an extreme heat warning area, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends: 

  • Have air conditioning.

    Don't depend on fans.

    Although they give some relief, if the temperature is very high they do not prevent heat-related illnesses.

  • Avoid strenuous activities.

  • Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing.

  • If you are outside, seek shade.

  • Wear a wide hat that protects your face.

  • Check that your family, neighbors and friends are okay.

  • Drink much liquid.

  • Be on the lookout for cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

  • NEVER leave people or pets in a closed car.

  • Take cold showers or baths.

  • Using the oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.

  • Wear a mask made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, since synthetic materials make breathing difficult.

Source: telemundo

All news articles on 2021-06-21

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