Texas, Plains See Extreme Heat, Fires
Not generally known for following European trends, Texas and the Great Plains are expected to hit high temperatures as hot as 115°F with heat indices above 120°F in the coming days. At least 100 million people in the U.S. are under extreme heat warnings as at least 89 wildfires burn across the country. The "extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses,” the National Weather Service warned, “particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.” Extreme heat is also exceptionally dangerous for people experiencing homelessness, as well as to postal and delivery workers, like one UPS driver filmed staggering in the extreme heat in Arizona. The extreme heat isn't bad for everyone, however, as high temperatures will push Texas' electric grid to (and possibly past) the brink of failure, power generators there are expected to reap a windfall from the high electricity prices.
(Heat: Washington Post $, Axios, ABC, NBC, ABC, Axios, The Hill, NBC, AP; Texas grid: NBC; UPS driver: The Guardian; Heat windfall: Utility Dive)
(Climate Signals background: Extreme heat and heatwaves; Wildfires)
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