Statewide energy alert extended as triple-digit temperatures broil California

Another day of expected high temperatures Thursday has triggered a call for California residents to reduce energy consumption.

This is the second day state officials have called for a reduction in energy consumption due to scorching heat.

Initiated by the California Independent System Operator, the so-called flex alert was scheduled to run from 2 to 9 p.m. Utility companies urged residents to keep their thermostats at 78 degrees or higher.

California ISO, which manages the state’s electric grid for most of the state, predicted peak energy usage – 46,888 megawatts -- would occur between 4 and 6 p.m. Power imports will be limited Thursday and Friday because neighboring states were also experiencing a heat wave.

A dome of high pressure has been blanketing California and the Midwest for more than a week, bringing high humidity and intense heat. The heat combined with the fifth year of drought has helped fuel two major wildfires, one in the Santa Clarita Valley and a second in Central California north of Big Sur.

The two fires combined have burned more than 60,000 acres and killed two people.

Coastal temperatures on Thursday were expected to be cooler than Wednesday, but inland and valley temperatures were forecast to hit triple digits.

In southwest California, temperatures will soar pass 100 degrees and could hit 107 degrees in Lancaster.

The same heat will be felt across Northern California with temperatures hitting 110 degrees in Redding and Red Bluff. The hot temperatures likely won’t break any records, meteorologists said.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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