Heat Wave Warning in US Midwest... Drought and Wildfire Concerns Threaten Power Grid

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Following Europe, a large-scale heatwave warning has been issued across the U.S. Midwest region. As drought and wildfire damage spread, the concentrated use of electricity for cooling is also threatening the stability of the power grid.

According to CNN on the 18th (local time), the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center issued a heatwave warning for about 40 million residents in the Midwest region for two days starting that day. Accordingly, heatwave warnings were issued in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and California.

The Weather Prediction Center stated, "Dangerous heat will continue to affect the central and some southwestern regions," forecasting temperatures in these areas to reach 32.2 to 37.7 degrees Celsius. In particular, it warned that the highest temperatures in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and the San Joaquin Valley in central California will exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

The severe heat is worsening drought conditions in southwestern regions such as California, increasing the likelihood of wildfires. Currently, 60% of California is classified as experiencing "exceptional drought," the third level of drought warning, and 20% of Texas has entered the fourth level of drought. The weather agency issued a wildfire warning for parts of Texas on the 20th.

There is also an emergency regarding power grid maintenance. In Texas, the scorching heat has caused a surge in demand for air conditioners and other cooling devices, threatening the power grid. The forecast for Dallas predicts a daytime high of 43.3 degrees Celsius and a nighttime low exceeding 26.6 degrees Celsius. Tony Pracaso, chief forecaster at the Weather Prediction Center, said, "Texas is like the 'ground zero' of the heatwave," adding, "Electricity usage is expected to reach record highs throughout this week."

CNN reported that Texas authorities may introduce rolling blackouts, cutting off electricity supply by region at scheduled times to avoid large-scale power outages caused by excessive electricity use.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.