Heat wave in California and other western states expected to last through Labor Day: NPR

A child drinks water from a bottle in the scorching sun Tuesday in Los Angeles. Forecasters say temperatures could hit 112 degrees in densely populated Los Angeles suburbs next week as a heat dome sets in in parts of California, Nevada and Arizona.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

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Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

A child drinks water from a bottle in the scorching sun Tuesday in Los Angeles. Forecasters say temperatures could hit 112 degrees in densely populated Los Angeles suburbs next week as a heat dome sets in in parts of California, Nevada and Arizona.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

A long and intense wave of excessive heat is hitting much of the western United States over the next week.

The region is expected to anticipate “a prolonged and possibly record-breaking heat wave,” with little relief overnight, according to the National Weather Service. Heat watches and advisories extend from Arizona to Washington State.

“In addition, the heat combined with very little humidity and low relative humidities will contribute to elevated wildfire risk in parts of the northern Great Basin and northern High Plains,” the agency said. .

Temperatures across California are expected to be more than 10 degrees above normal, warns the organization that manages the flow of much of the state’s electricity.

California’s independent system operator expects Labor Day demand to hit the highest point so far this year and will be asking Californians to take conservation action. ‘energy.

“During a Flex Alert, consumers are advised to reduce their energy use from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., when the system is at its peak, as demand for electricity remains high and there is less solar power available. “, said the organization. “The top three conservation actions are setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoiding the use of large appliances and charging electric vehicles, and turning off unnecessary lights.”

Reducing pressure on the network will help delay more drastic measures, the organization said, including the possibility of rotating outages.

Las Vegas is expected to experience a week of high temperatures at or near 110 degrees, with overnight “lows” of 85 degrees or higher. Both are more than 10 degrees above the average city weather in September.

In response to the heatwave, the City of Los Angeles is opening nine cooling centers for extended hours and encouraging residents to exercise caution when outdoors and to closely monitor the health of their children, pets company and neighbors. Governments across the region are taking similar action.

“Take this heat seriously, even if you are in good health, as the forecasted temperatures are not to be taken lightly,” Dr. Geoffrey Leung, public health officer for neighboring Riverside County, said in a statement. . “Even staying outdoors for short periods of time can impact your health.”

LAist has a long list of tips for staying safe in hot weather and for spotting symptoms of heat-related illnesses.