Gov. Newsom on Thursday signed an emergency proclamation to free up additional energy capacity, and called on Californians to reduce energy usage in the evenings at least through Friday.
The proclamation suspends certain permitting requirements, allowing the use of back-up power generation and freeing up additional energy capacity to help alleviate the heat-induced demands on the state's energy grid.
This came as Thursday looked to be the hottest day of California’s current heat wave.
"We have the heat and we have the low humidity, but we don’t really have too much wind in the hills and mountains," National Weather Service Meteorologist Rick Canepa said.
Temperatures are expected to hit triple digits in many spots, particularly inland. Elsewhere, 80s and 90s will settle in around the Bay Area. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning until 9 p.m. Friday, when we can expect relief to creep in.
In San Francisco, temperatures peaked at 81 degrees on Thursday.
Comparatively, Fairfield hit 110 degrees.
PG&E says the average refrigerator is opened 33 times a day.
If you cut down on that and turn off lights, you'll save power. While we're not getting the blustery winds that could fan a dangerous grass fire, don't use lawn mowers or tractors that could create sparks.
Cal ISO has issued a Flex Alert from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, asking Californians to conserve power and allow in-home thermostats to go up to 78 degrees to lessen the strain on the grid.
As far as staying healthy, Cal OES Spokesman Brian Ferguson said it’s not just about you.
"Keeping track of your family members, particularly those who are vulnerable, ensuring that they’re hydrated, ensuring that they’re indoors as much as possible," he said. "Also, maintaining appropriate precautions if you’re going to be outside."
He recommended bringing an umbrella and sunscreen if you must be outside.
It figures that when most of us are allowed to roam free outside without a mask, the heat is chasing us back indoors and making us cover up outside again. If you're looking for cool air, see an updated list of cooling centers.
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