Heat and flood warnings are affecting 60% of Americans as dangerous heat moves from the southwest to the eastern half of the U.S.

Heat and flood warnings are affecting 60% of Americans as dangerous heat moves from the southwest to the eastern half of the U.S.

The Hottest Summer: Heat, Storms, and Power Grids Under Stress

The summer of 2023 has brought scorching temperatures and extreme weather conditions across the United States. While much of the country doesn’t experience much cooling on regular summer nights, night temperatures have been hotter than usual, leading to excessive heat warnings from the Plains to the East Coast. On Thursday, nearly 200 million people, or 60% of the U.S. population, were under a heat advisory, flood warning, or watch.

The Hottest Month on Record

The prediction for continued excessive heat comes just days after the World Meteorological Organization and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service declared July 2023 as the hottest month on record. This alarming announcement reinforces the long-standing warnings of scientists who have been emphasizing the link between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Unbearable Heat and Humidity

Thursday witnessed the impact of this extreme weather, with major cities along the East Coast, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, experiencing heat and humidity that created a real feel of above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). Meteorologists are expecting temperature records to be broken on Friday, with temperatures projected to be 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 to 8 degrees Celsius) above average.

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In the Southwest and southern Plains, oppressive temperatures have been relentless for several weeks. A meteorologist based in New Mexico described the prolonged period of temperatures over 100 degrees (37.8°C) as unprecedented. Residents in these regions might not have much sympathy for the rest of the country, given their ongoing struggle with the scorching heat.

Power Grids and Utilities Under Stress

The extreme heat has put significant stress on some of the nation’s large power grids and utilities, with potential consequences for Americans trying to cool off. Utility companies are urging residents to be frugal with air conditioning to conserve electricity. Overloading an electrical grid can lead to blackouts, equipment failures, and significant pollution when equipment needs to be restarted.

Several electrical grids issued energy emergency alerts due to concerns about their ability to provide enough electricity. The country’s largest power grid, PJM Interconnection, declared a level one energy emergency alert for its 13-state grid. Similarly, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which covers the Midwest and Northern Plains, issued a similar alert. The California Independent System Operator issued an energy emergency alert due to excess heat in Southern California.

However, there is some reassurance from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which expects their grid to operate as usual during this extreme weather blast across the country.

Looking Ahead

The dangerous heat is expected to peak in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest on Friday and Saturday. Fortunately, a cold front is forecasted to bring some relief on Sunday and into the following week.

As the nation battles this intense heat, it is crucial to stay informed about the weather conditions, conserve electricity, and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. The effects of climate change are evident, and it’s up to individuals, communities, and governments to implement sustainable practices and mitigate the impact on our environment.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.