This week, the western United States is anticipated to see record-breaking heat, including Southern California and Arizona, where more than 30 million people are already sweating under excessive heat.
According to senior branch forecaster at the US Weather prediction center Brian Hurley, quoted by Bloomberg news agency, the heat wave will reach the states of Washington, Oregon, and even Montana.
"A lot of records are forecast to either be tied or broken,” Hurley is quoted as saying. “It is going to be a while for this heat."
From Tuesday to Thursday, highs in the northern Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest could rise 20 to 25 degrees (3-6 Celsius) above average, setting or breaking as many as 44 records, according to Hurley.
The north experiences greater temperature variations than the rest of the country because the region should be cooling off at this time of year. Readings could increase by 5 to 10 degrees (some 3 Celsius) above average in Southern California and Arizona.
California's grid operator has restricted power plant maintenance from August 31 to September 6 in anticipation of the heat.
Hurley reportedly claimed that a high-pressure ridge pushing down on the area is the main cause of the heat.
"What is causing the heat is the placement of the ridge,” he said. “It’s all about that ridge."
Millions of Californians are likely to turn to air conditioners to cool off, putting a strain on the electricity supply.
As the week goes on, demand on the state grid is expected to increase as a result of consecutively hot days. According to the California Independent System Operator, the amount of electricity consumed is expected to increase to around 44.8 gigawatts on September 4 and remain high through the weekend.
One gigawatt can power around 750,000 houses in California.