California declares state of emergency due to extreme heat

California declares state of emergency due to extreme heat

The governor of California has declared a state of emergency due to for a heat wave as temperatures soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Gavin Newsom explained the move as a need to reduce stress on the electrical grid and avoid problems with rolling blackouts during days of heatwaves. California's main electricity supplier also issued a warning calling for energy savings during peak hours from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

“Action must be taken to reduce pressure on the energy infrastructure and increase energy intensity.”

The state of emergency will end Saturday evening.

The US National Weather Service has issued heat warnings for much of the US Southwest, including Arizona, Nevada and Southern Utah. There are also heat warnings for central states such as Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska.

«It's pretty hot for early June,» said Sacramento meteorologist Corey Muller.

Thursday, Sacramento recorded a record 110 degrees and Death Valley National Park recorded a record 128 degrees, surpassing the all-time high for this time of year.

Record heat is expected to continue as the peak of the heat wave occurs today. Expect another very HOT day across the interior with highs near or slightly warmer than Thursday's highs. Stay cool. #CAwx #CAHeat pic.twitter.com/e8d0Pbnes1

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) June 18, 2021

California also starting to open cooling centers to help those suffering from high temperatures.

Source