In New York, a prolonged heat wave: many were left without electricity due to system overload

The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended its New York City heat advisory until Sunday evening. Yes, and in the power grid of the city there are already signs of tension. This week is forecast to be the longest heatwave in nearly a decade. Gothamist

Temperatures of 32 degrees and above began on July 19, according to James Tomasini, NWS meteorologist. It is expected that it will not subside until next Monday. The city has not had such heat for so many days in a row since 2013. Then there was a 7-day heat wave.

“We are expecting hot and humid weather,” the meteorologist said.

The heat index approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). The specialist called for caution for those who have to work under the scorching sun: "Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned rooms."

Heat-related power outages were occurring across New York City for a week, according to Con Edison.

On July 21, the utility company informed residents of central Queens that it had reduced power in the area to make repairs.

Con Edison has asked approximately 84 residents in Corona, Elmhurst, Fresh Meadows, Jamaica Estates, Oakland Gardens, Hollis Hills, Kew Gardens, Pomonok and Hillcrest to reduce their energy use during work.

In Astoria, 600 houses were left without electricity. According to the utility company, its supply should have been restored by noon Thursday.

“This extreme heat will cause power outages, it's inevitable,” said Allan Drury, spokesman for Con Edison. “Our job is to respond professionally and efficiently.”

On any given summer day, the city needs about 7000 megawatts of electricity at a time. But when temperatures rise sharply and offices, shops and homes are air-conditioned, electricity demand nearly doubles, Drury said.

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July 19 at 17:00 spent 11 megawatts of energy. July 510 consumption was expected to be slightly higher at 21 megawatts. But this is below the record electricity demand seen on July 11, 600. Then it took 19 megawatts.

People working with air conditioners on at home rather than in central business districts can add to the load on the system. In 2019, tens of thousands of southeast Brooklyn residents were left without power during a heat wave. Then it happened on a Sunday and most people were at home and not at work.

While the heat wave is sure to be prolonged this week, it has been hotter in New York. The temperature in Central Park reached a record high of 41 degrees on July 9, 1936. And the longest heat wave in the history of New York formed in late August 1953. It lasted 12 days.

Over the past few decades, the NWS has been tracking more frequent and consistent days of extreme heat in New York City. Scientists attribute this to the effects of climate change.