Here's a report from my local newspaper...
Quote:
Contra Costa Times
[url=http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/local/states/california/15110978.htm]Record heat sears Bay Area
'Unusual' temperatures lead to power outages, illnesses and the cancellation of a concert
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July 24, 2006
In one of the strongest heat waves to hit the Bay Area in recent years, menacing temperatures continued Sunday to knock down record highs, causing widespread blackouts and heat-related illnesses.
The National Weather Service reported that at least half a dozen cities in the Bay Area broke long-standing temperature highs.
"It has been very unusual," said Brooke Bingaman, a National Weather Service meteorologist. "A lot of our trained weather spotters are reporting to us that in 20 to 30 years they've never seen temperatures like this before."
The Tri-Valley was hit particularly hard by the scorching heat. Reporting a high of 113 on Sunday, Livermore broke its previous record of 109, which was set in 1906. The city of San Ramon, which the weather service has tracked only recently, came in close behind with 112 for Sunday's high.
The daily triple-digit heat put stress on the power grid, leaving 462,000 in the Bay Area without power the entire weekend, some for several days. San Jose was hardest hit, with 49,000 households and businesses without power.
As of Sunday night, PG&E reported that approximately 32,000 households and businesses in Contra Costa County and 117,000 in the Bay Area were without power, said spokeswoman Mariana Hernandez.
"Energy conservation is critical," she said. "Keep your air conditioner down; we're asking for 78 degrees, and 80 even better."
PG&E also asked that people use their power-hungry appliances, including dishwashers, washers, dryers and televisions, in the late-evening hours to help the power grid.
Power was expected to be restored to residents in most of those areas by 8 p.m. Sunday, Hernandez said.
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