Extreme heat is sweeping through the central US, putting pressure on electricity grids. The conditions have prompted warnings across a wide geographic area.
Heat warnings and advisories are in effect from Montana to Texas, according to reports.
Extreme heat sweeps through central US, straining power grids
High temperatures and heat warnings are affecting a large area from Montana to Texas.
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Francesco Ungaro
Updates
The heat wave has expanded to affect at least 40 million people across the central and southern US, with forecasts indicating that 89 daily heat records and 229 overnight records could be broken this Saturday. Officials warn that the prolonged high temperatures, expected to reach 47C in Phoenix and 41C in Rapid City, will likely strain regional power grids by increasing electricity demand while simultaneously reducing wind power generation. Beyond the heat, the atmospheric conditions have triggered severe thunderstorm, flash flooding, and hail warnings around the Great Lakes, leading to the cancellation of public events such as the horse races at Canterbury Park.
The extreme heat wave is expanding its impact with 40 million people now under warning, as Saturday saw a record high of 112F in Rapid City and potential for 89 daily temperature records to be broken. High-pressure conditions are straining power grids across 20 states by limiting wind energy generation and preventing natural cooling at night. While parts of the southwest are expected to reach 120F, authorities have canceled public events like the Canterbury Park horse race, with meteorologists warning that severe thunderstorms and flash flooding may also develop near the Great Lakes.
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