Scorching Heat to Raise Power Demand in Central, Eastern US

Power prices are climbing in anticipation of a week-long heat wave expected to bring sweltering temperatures and high humidity to much of the central and eastern United States, taxing power and rail infrastructure.

Though New York and Washington will see Friday’s daytime temperatures near records at around 100F (38C), the most intense heat is expected to shift and settle in across the southeast early next week. Some areas — including Atlanta, Nashville and Memphis — could experience heat close to 115F (46C) due to humidity, with little relief overnight, said Rich Otto, a forecaster for the US Weather Prediction Center in Maryland.