Flex Alert Issued As Temperatures Reach 105 In Parts Of Southern California

In anticipation of temperatures that are expected to reach well over 100 degrees throughout California, a statewide Flex alert has been issued for Wednesday, from 4 to 9 p.m.

The California Independent System Operator, which operates most of the state’s power grid, said in a statement that they expect increased use of electricity from air conditioners during that time.

In response, they’re asking residents to do their part to make sure that the grid isn’t overtaxed.

“Consumers are urged to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and less solar energy,” officials said in the statement.

The California ISO’s recommendations for conserving energy include:

• Precooling your home before 4 p.m.
• Using major appliances, such as the washer, dryer and dishwasher, earlier in the day
• Setting the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher after 4 p.m.
• Turning off unnecessary lights after 4 p.m.

Temperatures near Bakersfield could reach 105 Wednesday through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. An excessive heat warning has been issued in that area for Wednesday.

Further south, near Lancaster, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga and Victorville, temperatures are expected to reach the high 90s or low 100s throughout the rest of the week.