Meteorologists warned that predicted storms could increase the risk of power outages. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
A sprawling and dangerous heat wave gripping much of the central and eastern United States is raising concerns about power demand and outage risks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Tens of thousands of customers are already without electricity, and more storms are threatening to knock out power in parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes.
Outages down from Tuesday night, but risks remain
More than 100,000 customers were without power nationwide Wednesday afternoon, down from more than 167,000 outages reported Tuesday night. While that number is not highly unusual for this time of year, AccuWeather meteorologists warn that the combination of extreme heat, surging air conditioning demand and rounds of thunderstorms could quickly push outage totals higher again.
The outages come as more than 250 million people face dangerous weather conditions under a massive heat dome that will send actual temperatures into the 90s and lower 100s across many areas from the Plains to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts this week. AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures are forecast to reach 100 degrees or higher for several hours in many locations, with some major cities topping 110 at times.
“The extreme heat and humidity are expected to bring near-record, or possibly record, energy usage to the mid-Atlantic power providers,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert said. “This is especially critical on Thursday, as some companies could see possible power cuts to stabilize the grid if it becomes unstable.”
DOE issues emergency orders for mid-Atlantic grid
The U.S. Department of Energy issued two emergency orders this week aimed at reducing blackout risks in the mid-Atlantic, where intense heat is expected to drive heavy electricity demand. The orders allow PJM Interconnection to dispatch specified power units and authorize backup generation resources to operate as a last resort before or during the most serious level of grid emergency. The orders took effect late June 30 and are set to expire late July 3.
The DOE said PJM had requested the emergency measures ahead of forecast record-breaking peak loads. The agency also noted that more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation remains available nationwide.
Michigan and New York outages add to heat danger
Localized outages were already adding to the heat danger in some communities on Wednesday. More than 4,000 customers were without power in Macomb County, Michigan, near Detroit, where the high temperature is forecast to reach 99 degrees on Wednesday. In Saratoga County, New York, near Albany, more than 2,400 customers were without power as temperatures climb toward a forecast high of 94.
Power outages during a heat wave can quickly become dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions and those without access to cooling centers or shaded areas. Warm nighttime temperatures can add to the risk by preventing homes from cooling down after sunset.
The heat also increases health risks for pets. Owners can keep their pets safe in the heat by providing plenty of fresh water, shade and indoor breaks and never leaving them in a parked car.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani enacted a heat emergency plan and announced hundreds of cooling centers will open across the five boroughs.
“This could be the hottest Fourth of July since 2010,” Mamdani said. “These are extremely dangerous conditions.”
Mamdani stressed that the most important thing people can do is to stay inside with air conditioning and know where to go for cooling relief.
“Know where you will go to stay cool,” he said. ” A few minutes of planning now could help your family stay safe later.”
Storms could increases power outages
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Additional thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and evening could create another spike in power outages from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Minneapolis and into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Because larger population centers are included in the risk zone, AccuWeather meteorologists say outage totals could climb again if storms produce damaging wind gusts or knock trees and power lines down.
Storms developing along the northern edge of the heat dome will be capable of producing gusty winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning. Even where storms provide temporary relief from the heat, they could leave some residents without air conditioning during one of the hottest stretches of the summer so far.
How to stay safe if the power goes out
Residents in areas at risk for heat and storms are urged to charge phones and medical devices, keep flashlights ready and know the locations of nearby cooling centers. Anyone who loses power during extreme heat should avoid using generators indoors or near windows, doors or garages because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
