Weather & Science

Texas Grid Is Under Threat as Record Temperatures Sear Central US

Grid operator projects record electricity demand this week
Above-average heat east of Rockies is heading to New York City

Workers install infrastructure under a Texas flag tent during a heatwave in Austin, Texas, on July 11.Photographer: Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg

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By Brian K Sullivan

July 18, 2022 at 2:21 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Record-breaking heat is set to scorch central US for another week and threaten Texas -- already in the bull’s eye for blistering weather -- with searing temperatures that may drive electricity demand to new heights.

Fort Worth could hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) Monday and Tuesday, while Dallas may reach 109, the National Weather Service said. The state’s main grid operator is forecasting record energy demand this week as Texans crank up air conditioners to cool down.