Temperatures will soar in Pasadena today, forecasters said, while the state’s electrical grid may face shortages that causing brownouts. The week-long heat wave has combined with low humidity to create an elevated fire danger.
Pasadena is expected to reach 106 under clear blue skies, with a low tonight of 67.
The city again will open a cooling center for the heat-vulnerable at Robinson Park Recreation Center at 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. There is no charge. According to Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian, COVID-19 protocols and restrictions will be in place. Residents are advised to bring snacks and face masks, neither of which can be shared with others.
The heat prompted the California Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s power grid, to issue a Flex Alert that will be in effect from 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday. The alert urges residents to conserve energy wherever possible to reduce strain on the grid and prevent possible rolling blackouts.
“With high temperatures in the forecast, the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use,” according to a statement from Cal-ISO. “Reduced capacity, along with fire activity and heat, has led to a potential shortage of energy supply tomorrow (Thursday) evening.”
Residents were urged to take conservation steps such as setting thermostats to at least 78 degrees, deferring the use of major appliances, turning off unneeded lights, using fans and closing blinds and drapes.
“Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur,” the NWS warned. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
The NWS statement added that children, seniors and pets should never be left unattended in parked vehicles, eve, with windows open, as interior temperatures can quickly turn lethal.
Temperatures were expected to drop slightly Friday before a more significant cooling trend moves in over the weekend.
Here is the forecast for the week:
Thursday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 106. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 67. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.
Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east northeast in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 94.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 63.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 91.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 90.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 89.
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