Killer heat wave bakes California


CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training – Electrical Safety Compliance Course

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$249
Coupon Price:
$199
Reserve Your Seat Today
A heat wave swept southern California for a sixth day on September 2, claiming the lives of an elderly couple, setting record temperatures and leaving thousands of customers without power.

The mercury eclipsed the century mark throughout the area, sending millions of people to the beaches for relief on the Labor Day holiday. Weather forecasters called for the harsh conditions to continue, but a slight cooling at the end the week.

In downtown Los Angeles, the temperature reached 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37 C), and set records along the coast in Long Beach (103 degrees/39 C) and 56 miles inland in Riverside (112 degrees/44 C).

In the suburb of Valley Village, 13 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, an unidentified couple in their 80s were found dead in their apartment on September 2. Fire officials said the temperature inside was more than 110 degrees (43 Celsius). They said the man was disabled, and his wife may have been unable to reach the air conditioning control.

During the heat wave, 396,893 of Southern California Edison's 4.7 million customers - 8.4 percent - lost power "from a few minutes to longer," the Edison International-owned utility said.

By September 3, 9,000 customers of the city-owned Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's 1.4 million customers were reportedly without power.

Related News

Will Iraq have enough electricity for coming hot summer days?

Iraq Electricity Crisis intensifies as summer heat drives demand; households face power outages, reliance on…
View more

Scientists generate 'electricity from thin air.' Humidity could be a boundless source of energy.

Air Humidity Energy Harvesting converts thin air into clean electricity using air-gen devices with nanopores,…
View more

94,000 lose electricity in LA area after fire at station

Los Angeles Power Station Fire prompts LADWP to shut a Northridge/Reseda substation, causing a San…
View more

Global CO2 emissions 'flatlined' in 2019, says IEA

2019 Global CO2 Emissions stayed flat, IEA reports, as renewable energy growth, wind and solar…
View more

Hydro One seeks OEB approval for two major 500 kV transmission projects

Hydro One 500 kV Transmission Projects advance with OEB applications for new lines boosting capacity,…
View more

Texas utility companies waiving fees; city has yet to act

Texas Utility COVID-19 Relief suspends disconnections, waives late fees, extends payment plans, and supports broadband…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified