The new date is Sep 6, 2022.
California's electrical grid operator issued an urgent warning asking residents to conserve energy Tuesday, raising its energy alert status to its highest level.
The sun shines behind electrical power lines. The photo was taken by Patrick T Fallon.
A level two grid emergency will be in effect from 4 to 9 pm. Time in the Pacific.
All available resources for power generation are expected to be used during that time due to energy demand setting a new record.
During peak demand, residents have been urged to raise their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher and avoid using heavy appliances.
The peak of the heat wave is expected to occur on Tuesday. The highest temperature ever recorded in the region was reached by the Bay Area cities of Livermore and Fairfield, which both reached 116 degrees. The mercury is expected to reach 115 degrees in the area on Tuesday. California's power problems have been worsened by the state's recent transition to rely more heavily on solar power and an ongoing dry spell that is believed to be the worst in 1,200 years. The state's ability to generate power through hydroelectric systems has been hampered by the current dry spell.
Hurricane Kay could bring welcome relief by the end of the week. It is expected to weaken into a tropical storm as it travels off the coast of southern California and northwestern Mexico, but it will still bring rain to California. It is not expected to have much of an impact on the U.S.
These are the key record-breaking temperatures for summer.
At the height of California's heat wave Tuesday, the grid may be unable to keep up with demand.
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