Hell on Earth: Record Heat and Power Grid Failures Could Ignite Disaster

Adapting to a changing climate is one thing, but trying to survive record-breaking temperatures causing runaway wildfires and a (possible) failure of an entire state’s electrical grid (meaning no A/C) is quite another. 

Not Cooling Down 

It might only be a few weeks away from September 22nd, the “unofficial” end of summer, but that hasn’t stopped the temperatures from doing their worst. 

In fact, increased heat and humidity have been predicted for various states east of the Rockies.

And we don’t just mean it’s going to be “warm” – we’re talking an official heat dome.  

A Heat What? 

A heat dome refers to a weather phenomenon that happens when the upper atmosphere’s high-pressure system traps hot air over an area. 

That stops the cool air from entering, leading to a spike in temperatures on the ground. 

The Norm This Year 

This continuing heat wave is nothing new, as Americans are still reeling from a record-shattering hot summer season. 

Higher-than-usual temperatures were recorded nearly everywhere in the US in recent months, all attributed to the warming climate as a result of climate change. 

Not Only People Suffering 

More heat means more people needing to cool off. 

But that has turned out to be a problem for the electrical grid in Texas, which is being pushed to its limits as about 27 million energy customers are running those aircon systems in homes and offices across the state.  

A Surge in Power Demand 

Just last week, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas claimed that the state’s power demand reached its highest level yet on Tuesday: 85,558.98 megawatts.

This is higher than the old record, 85,508 MW, which was set in August last year. 

But Don’t Worry 

However, the council has confirmed that its power network is operating without any issues and that the grid has enough power for the demands of its customers. 

Inconvenient and Lethal 

When Hurricane Beryl struck earlier this summer and about 2.2 million customers were left without electricity, at least seven people in the Houston area died from “heat exposure due to power loss,” as stated by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. 

Freaky Nature Isn’t Helping 

According to various media outlets, including the Houston Chronicle, over 20 deaths in and around Harris County were directly related to the storm. 

Mother Nature Isn’t Bothered 

But recent weather reports tell us that those high temperatures are set to keep going – and not only in Texas.

Just last Tuesday, the high temperature in Phoenix, Arizona, reached a blistering 112°F. That is just one degree under 2019’s record-melting reading. 

This Week’s Lineup (1 of 3)

For the next day or two, a big significant upper-level ridge of high pressure is expected to develop over the eastern two-thirds of the US. This will bring an abundance of unusually warm and humid air into the Plains, as well as the Mississippi Valley, and Midwest.

And be warned: temperatures have been predicted to range from 5 to 20 degrees warmer than the seasonal average.  

This Week’s Lineup (2 of 3) 

Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas can brace themselves for triple-digit temperatures. And for the rest of the Plains Mississippi Valley, and Midwest, highs in the 90s are forecast. 

This Week’s Lineup (3 of 3) 

Reaching Monday, temperatures in the central- and southern Plains could surpass 100 degrees and move into the Midwest, Tennessee Valley, and Deep South.

Those near the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Southeast are likely to experience temperatures in the 90s. 

Matter of Survival 

In preparation for the rising heat, many states (including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona) have started setting up cooling centers with air-conditioned buildings that also provide water.  

Just What We Need 

Factor in humidity with those high temperatures and it feels even hotter. But add some burning fires and it could literally feel like hell on earth.

And unfortunately, that is exactly what’s happening, as the dry heat is also kickstarting wildfires around various parts of the US. 

Texas Governor Steps In 

Last week, Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, had to send in extra firefighters to avoid a potential disaster.

As he said in his official statement: “As the state continues to endure triple-digit temperatures and dry vegetation, Texas is deploying additional firefighting resources to assist communities that have increased wildfire activity.” 

Keep Safe 

Abbott also added: “Texans are strongly urged to take all necessary precautions and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep their families and their loved ones safe from wildfires. I thank the Texas Division of Emergency Management and local emergency management personnel for their work as they prepare for potential wildfires across the state.” 

This Is No Joke 

This heat is a literal killer, as, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Approximately 1,220 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.” 

And it makes sense that the longer one is exposed to such excessive heat, the higher the odds of heat-related illnesses setting in. 

Avoid the Sun 

Thus, in addition to knowing where cooling centers are located, people are also warned to move their outdoor activities, especially those around midday, to cooler times like early in the morning or after sunset. 

And if You Can’t… 

Remember: if you have a job where you remain outdoors in this wild heat, keep hydrated and take regular breaks to allow your body to cool down. 

What To Do 

Those US residents living under the heat dome, stock up on sunscreen and wear light-colored clothing. 

Remember those who are extra vulnerable to heat exhaustion like children, pets, the elderly, and the disabled. 

And NEVER leave a child or pet locked inside a vehicle, as these excessive temperatures could become fatal. 

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