Dial Down The AC! Flex Alert In Effect Across Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, CA — A Flex Alert lasting from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. went into effect across Los Angeles Wednesday.

Soaring heat statewide prompted the call for voluntary electricity reductions in order to avoid overloading the state's power grid. Residents are asked to turn up their air conditioning to 78 degrees, close their blinds to reduce indoor heat, and hold off on laundry and running the dishwasher while demand is high statewide.

It could be a good time to go out to dinner or the movies while leaving the air conditioner and lights off at home.

Above normal temperatures hit across the state, including triple-digit heat in Los Angeles County's valleys and deserts. The California Independent System Operator issued the Flex Alert as an alternative to rolling blackouts.

"With above-normal temperatures in the forecast across much of the state (Wednesday), the power grid operator is expecting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand," according to a statement from Cal-ISO.

According to Accuweather, the San Fernando Valley saw temperatures as high as 103 degrees Tuesday with more of the same expected Wednesday. On Friday, the high in Woodland Hills is expected to reach 108 degrees, according to Accuweather.

A cool-down is expected to provide relief heading into next week when high temperatures in the San Fernando Valley will hover the mid 90s. Along the Los Angeles County coast, temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s most of the week before briefly dipping back down to the 70s Monday, according to Accuweather.

City News Service contributed to this report.