Deadly Heat Wave In Central US Strains Infrastructure, Transport, Grid

"AUSTIN, Texas — Deadly heat that has gripped Texas for much of the summer has spread into other parts of the central U.S. this week where it is forecast to stay for days, with triple-digit temperatures buckling roads, straining water systems and threatening the power grid of the nation’s energy capitol.

With heat warnings and advisories stretching from New Orleans to Minneapolis, the unyielding weather is stressing the systems put in place to keep resources moving and people safe. Just this week, a 1-year-old left in a hot van in Nebraska died, and Louisiana reported 25 heat-related deaths this summer — more than twice the average number in recent years.

The heat is expected to become “dangerous to the average person” if they don’t have air conditioning, said Alex Lamers, a warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center."

Acacia Coronado and Juan Lozano report for the Associated Press August 23, 2023.

SEE ALSO:

"Climate Change Leaves Fingerprints On July Heat Waves Around The Globe, Study Says" (AP)

"'Global Boiling': Billions Already Suffer In Heat Over 1.5C Limit" (Thomson Reuters Foundation)

"Louisiana Fights Wildfires, As Extreme Heat And Dry Weather Plague The State" (AP)

""Brutal" Heat Wave Brings Triple-Digit Temperatures From Chicago To New Orleans" (Axios)

"Stifling Heat Spells Misery In Schools With No Air Conditioning" (E&E News)

Source: AP, 08/24/2023