As Pass Area Bakes Amid Dangerous Heat Wave, Flex Alert Issued

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — In order to avoid or limit power outages, the California Independent System Operator has issued a statewide Flex Alert Friday due to extreme hot weather and a potential shortfall of the state’s electrical grid.

Consumers are asked to voluntarily conserve electricity from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. to ease the strain on the grid. During these Flex Alert hours, consumers are strongly encouraged to take these specific actions:

—Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if your health permits
—Avoid using major appliances, like dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers
—Turn off all unnecessary lights

Consumers are also encouraged to use fans instead of air conditioning for cooling, and unplug unused electrical items.

In the hours before a Flex Alert takes effect, consumers are encouraged to take these
steps:
—Pre-cool your home by lowering the thermostat
—If you need to use your major appliances, do it earlier in the day, when solar
energy is abundant
—Close window coverings to keep your home or apartment cool
—Take advantage of the solar energy to charge electronic devices and electric
vehicles so there’s no need to do it later when solar is not available

"After a Flex Alert is in effect, if demand still outstrips supply, the ISO will use other tools it has available for emergency conditions. If those tools are exhausted, the ISO could order California utilities to reduce demand by implementing rotating power outages of relatively short duration to effectively extend the available electricity as much as possible, although that is not anticipated at this time," the California ISO said.

"As California’s ability to store solar and wind energy with batteries or other technology continues to improve, those crucial evening hours will be less of a challenge and similar emergencies rarer," the CA ISO continued. "But for now, collective action to conserve is our most effective way to keep the grid working for as many people as possible."

The Flex Alert comes as triple-digit weather bakes Riverside County Friday and through the weekend — with heat advisories already in place in the valleys, mountains and Inland Empire, and more severe excessive heat warnings taking effect Saturday in the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass.

The National Weather Service alerts include:
— a heat advisory for the Riverside County valleys and Inland Empire through 10 p.m. Sunday, forecasting high temperatures in the 90s to 105;
— a heat advisory for the Riverside County mountains through 8 p.m. Monday, predicting highs in the 90s to 104 degrees below 6,000 feet;
— and an excessive heat warning for the Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass near Banning beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday and extending through 8 p.m. Monday. Highs for the Coachella Valley are forecast from 115 to 120 degrees, while highs for the San Gorgonio Pass are expected to range from 105 to 115.

"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside," the NWS said in a statement. "When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke."

A ridge of high pressure anchored east of Nevada will instigate the hot, dry conditions, forecasters said.

"There is a chance of low desert locations reaching or exceeding 120 degrees," according to the NWS. "The high weakens slightly on Monday. While there will be a gradual cooling trend (next week), high temperatures inland will remain above normal."

Forecasters said there is a chance of upper-level instability fueling thunderstorms next week, but it's a remote possibility.

The county last month opened cooling centers in multiple locations, where residents without air-conditioning are able to take a break during daylight hours. A complete list is available at www.capriverside.org/cool-centers.