CA Swelter Shatters Temperature Records Across The State

CALIFORNIA — Another sweltering heat wave rippled across the Golden State this weekend, raising record high temperatures as firefighters battled wildfires in searing conditions. The volatile combination of extreme weather and wildfires also threatened California's transmission lines and power grid, prompting the state to issue a second consecutive Flex Alert on Saturday.

And Californians could be asked to conserve energy yet again Monday as the heat wave continues.

"Demand is expected to increase on Monday, July 12," California's Independent System Operator tweeted Sunday afternoon. "The ISO has called for power plants to delay any planned maintenance and to be available. Californians are asked to remain vigilant in case we need conservation help tomorrow."

Over the weekend, fire agencies remained on high alert amid elevated wildfire danger, and officials reminded Californians to drink plenty of water, stay cool and keep pets safe.

"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside," forecasters advised. "When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible."

Some of the hottest temperatures were clocked in Palm Springs, Borrego and Desert Valley. In Palm Springs, a record high of 120 was recorded on Saturday and Borego reached 118 degrees. Temperatures topped 130 degrees in Death Valley on both Friday and Saturday, and temperatures were expected to hit 130 again on Sunday. The desert area is known for the Earth's hottest recorded temperature of 134 degrees in 1913.

On Saturday, more record highs were recorded across Central and Southern California:

• Lancaster, 113 degrees
• Palmdale, 112 degrees
• Paso Robles, 114
• Sandberg, 98 degrees.

On the Central Coast, the Paso Robles Airport hit a staggering 115 degrees on Saturday afternoon, breaking a 114 degrees record set 60 years ago, according to John Lindsey, a marine meteorologist for PG&E.

In Northern California, downtown Sacramento broke its daily record of 112 degrees, pushing up to 113 degrees.

More record highs were recorded across Northern California:

• Vacaville, 115 degrees
• Redding, 114 degrees
• Red Bluff, 113 degrees
• Oroville, 113 degrees
• Marysville, 113 degrees
• Modesto, 108 degrees

The blistering temperatures threatened the state's power grid on Friday and Saturday, pushing officials to issue a Flex Alert, a voluntary call for residents to conserve energy during a five-hour period.

In California's agricultural Central Valley, 100-degree temperatures blanketed the region, with Fresno reaching 111 degrees, just one degree short of the all-time high for the date. And while temperatures were elevated for coastal populations, many of those regions evaded extreme conditions.

In response to growing concerns over the coming swelter, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation on Friday suspending some rules to allow for more power capacity.

On Saturday, circumstances intensified after officials learned that a rapidly spreading Bootleg Fire in Southern Oregon was threatening transmission lines used to power the Golden State.

“The Bootleg Fire will see the potential for extreme growth today,” the National Weather Service in Medford, Oregon, tweeted Sunday.

Transmission lines were reportedly knocked out by the fire on Saturday, reducing power supplies by 5,500 megawatts over the weekend. But officials said grid conditions for Sunday were projected to be stable. CAISO maintained that a third consecutive Flex Alert would not be issued.

The initial alert from the state came down Friday and asked residents to conserve energy from 4 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, CAISO again asked residents to lower thermostats and continue to conserve power during the evening hours.

"Conservation efforts worked yesterday. California residents and businesses did it again. The California ISO thanks you for your conservation efforts," CAISO tweeted Sunday.

Triple-digit weather was expected to bake parts of the state on Sunday and into Monday with excessive heat warnings in effect in many areas, the National Weather Service said.

An excessive heat warning is in effect in the Antelope Valley through 9 p.m. Monday, with the NWS predicting "dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 113 expected."

"The [heat wave] will continue through Monday, with highs well into the 100's over interior areas," National Weather Service officials in Los Angeles wrote in a tweet. "In addition, elevated to brief fire conditions will affect the interior. Use caution!"

The Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report.