Extreme heat grips central US, straining power grids nationwide

A prolonged heatwave will grip the central United States from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River before spreading to the Gulf Coast through the remainder of June, placing severe strain on regional power grids already bracing for surging electricity demand.

Temperatures to hit 100F in Texas, 117F in Arizona

Heat warnings and advisories currently stretch from Montana to Texas, with Dallas forecast to reach 38C (100F) on Saturday and remain above that level through at least Wednesday, according to Bloomberg. Southern California and Arizona face a secondary heat zone, where Phoenix could hit 47C (117F). "It's a pretty persistent pattern," said Bob Oravec, a senior branch forecaster with the US Weather Prediction Center. "In some form it stays in place through next week. It changes every day a little bit, but pretty much remains through the end of the month."

Power grids brace for demand surge

The prolonged heat is expected to increase electricity demand across parts of 20 states, while weaker winds under the high-pressure system could reduce wind power generation. High overnight temperatures add to energy demand by limiting natural cooling and can pose risks to people, animals, and crops.

On Saturday alone, 89 daily heat records could be tied or broken, with another 229 overnight temperature records also at risk. Rapid City, South Dakota, may reach a record 41C (105F) on Sunday.