Flex Alert

Flex Alert Issued For California Residents Wednesday. Here's What to Know

Officials said that anticipated high temperatures are expected to drive up electricity demand.

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With a heat wave broiling California, the manager of the power grid has asked residents to conserve energy Wednesday afternoon and early evening.

The Flex Alert, issued by the California Independent System Operator, is a voluntary call to cut back on power use when the grid is most stressed due to high demand while solar energy production is decreasing.

The Cal ISO issued the alert from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in order to avoid strain on the state's electric grid during periods of intense heat.

Sheena Parveen's Morning Forecast for Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022.

Above-normal temperatures are expected across California, chiefly the Central Valley where some locations may hit 110 degrees, while a wildfire risk was focused on northern counties. In San Diego, weather will continue to be hot and humid, but temperatures weren't expected to surge.

"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.

During the Flex Alert, consumers are asked to:

  • Set their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
  • Avoid the use of major appliances and unnecessary lights
  • Take steps before the Flex Alert takes effect, such as pre-cooling homes to 72 degrees and closing blinds and drapes

NBC 7 Meteorologist Sheena Parveen said there is not going to be a big change in San Diego County's weather pattern this week -- hot and humid is the trend. This will continue for the rest of the week, with minimal rain chances in the mountains and deserts.

By the weekend, a monsoonal weather pattern will ramp back up to bring afternoon showers and thunderstorms to the mountains and deserts. Along the coast, it will cool slightly but that heat and humidity will persist.

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