California’s heat wave sets records, and stretches power grid
A vast dome of high pressure has edged westward and settled over California, inflicting sweltering and record-setting temperatures across much of the state and threatening to strain the state’s power grid. Record high daily temperatures scorched several cities across the Bay Area on Monday, with oppressive heat forecast to continue for days, according to the National Weather Service. … Severe drought has reduced the availability of hydropower, and solar power generation wanes as night falls, leaving the state to rely heavily on aging gas-fired power plants and on imported electricity from other states.
Related articles:
- San Francisco Chronicle: California heat wave live updates - Bay Area records its highest-ever temperature
- The Guardian: ‘It’s too hot’ - Los Angeles melts under its worst heatwave of the year
- Fresno Bee: Heat wave breaks records in Fresno. Californians urged to cut energy use amid blackout concerns
- CBS – Bay Area: Blazing record Labor Day heat grips the Bay Area; Fairfield hits 117°
- CalMatters: A do-or-die day for California’s power grid
- USA Today: ‘Even more extreme’: Blistering heat to roast California, other Western states this week
- Associated Press: Possibility Of California Power Outages Increases As Heat Wave Worsens
- The Atlantic: In L.A., 90 Is the New 80
- Time Magazine: Extreme weather is weakening U.S. hydropower and stressing energy grid
- CBS – Sacramento: California lawmakers want ranking system for heat waves