Published on July 12, 2024 at 11:45 p.m.
In addition to the ongoing power outages that began on Monday, July 8, Texans are facing another challenge: extreme heat.
While Texans are accustomed to high temperatures, the current situation is different. Beyond the discomfort caused by the heat, they also have to deal with a lack of electricity. Since last Monday, when Beryl passed over the state, hundreds of thousands of Texans have been without power.
Texas Temperature Overview
This extreme heat is caused by a heat dome that is stagnant over the southwest of the country. In Houston, a Texas city particularly impacted by Beryl’s passage, temperatures for the coming week will range between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius, accompanied by oppressive humidity.
Depending on the day, the heat index is expected to be near or above 40 degrees Celsius. In comparison, according to the Canadian humidex, these feelings are around 45 degrees Celsius and above.
Vulnerable People at Risk
These power outages prevent Texans from using their air conditioning or other cooling equipment, making it difficult to manage daily life. Additionally, food in refrigerators and freezers cannot stay fresh without power, especially with temperatures hovering around 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lack of electricity is also making it difficult, if not impossible in some areas, to access food, gasoline, or medicine. The reason? Some businesses are closed, making them inaccessible.
In addition to closed businesses, the number of emergency room visits has risen dramatically due to the extreme heat. Some hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, who are unable to access regular medical care. The situation is similar in retirement homes.
With the collaboration of Kevin Cloutier, meteorologist.
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Heatwave Grips Texas Amidst Power Outages
In addition to the power outages that have been ongoing since Monday, July 8, Texans are having to deal with another problem: extreme heat.
Although Texas residents are used to the high temperatures, the situation is different this time. Beyond the discomfort they feel due to the temperatures, they also have to deal with a lack of electricity. In fact, since last Monday, since Beryl passed over the American state, hundreds of thousands of Texans have been without electricity.
Texas Temperature Overview
This extreme heat is caused by the presence of a heat dome that is stagnating over the southwest of the country. In Houston, a Texas city particularly affected by the passage of Beryl, the mercury for the coming week fluctuates between 32 and 34 degrees °C, and this, accompanied by overwhelming humidity.
Depending on the day, the feelings (heat index) near or above 40 are also expected. In comparison, according to the Canadian humidex, these feelings are around 45 and above.
Vulnerable People at Risk
These power outages obviously prevent Texans from using their air conditioning or other equipment that would allow them to cool down or go regarding their daily lives. But it also causes other losses. For example, food in the refrigerator or freezer cannot stay fresh without electricity, especially when the thermometer shows temperatures hovering around 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
This loss of electricity makes it difficult, if not impossible in some areas, to have access to food, gasoline, or medicine. The reason? Some businesses are closed, therefore inaccessible.
In addition to closed businesses, the number of emergency room visits has skyrocketed due to the extreme heat. Some hospitals are therefore overwhelmed with vulnerable patients. These people, suffering from health problems, cannot access regular care. The scenario is similar in retirement homes.
The Impact on Daily Life
The combination of extreme heat and power outages is creating a challenging situation for Texans. Many are forced to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, limiting their ability to work, shop, or engage in outdoor activities. The lack of air conditioning is particularly dangerous for the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.
The heatwave has also strained Texas’s power grid, leading to rolling blackouts in some areas. This has caused widespread disruption, impacting everything from traffic signals to public transportation.
The power outages have also created a spike in demand for generators, which are becoming increasingly difficult to find. With many grocery stores and gas stations closed, residents are struggling to obtain essential supplies.
The Importance of Stay Informed
It’s crucial for Texans to stay informed regarding the latest weather forecasts and power outage updates. The Texas Department of State Health Services has published a list of tips on how to stay safe during a heatwave. These include:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, juice, or sports drinks.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Check on elderly neighbors and those with health issues.
- If you are experiencing heat exhaustion or heatstroke, call 911 immediately.
The power outages are expected to continue for several days, potentially even weeks. The Texas Governor has urged residents to conserve energy as much as possible to ease the strain on the power grid.
The heatwave is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Texas in the face of climate change. As temperatures continue to rise, the state will need to find innovative solutions to ensure its residents’ safety and well-being.
With the collaboration of Kevin Cloutier, meteorologist.