Intense Cold Grips Central and Southern US: Record-Breaking Temperatures and Power Demand Surge
As frigid air continues to dominate the central and southern regions of the United States, many cities are experiencing record-breaking low temperatures. This extreme cold is expected to persist for at least another day before a welcome thaw arrives over the weekend.
Record Cold Temperatures Across the US
According to Scott Kleebauer, a forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center, at least 40 daily cold records have been shattered, with an additional 15 records at risk of being broken. Notably, Kansas City recorded a chilling -9°F (-23°C), marking one of the coldest temperatures the city has ever faced. Kleebauer stated, “Today is the last really cold day across the country,” highlighting that over 130 million people are currently under cold weather advisories or extreme cold warnings.
Impact on Power Demand
The intense cold has significantly increased the demand for electricity, particularly in the southern US, where many households rely on electric heating. On Thursday morning, power demand on the Texas grid surged to an unprecedented 80.379 gigawatts, setting a new all-time winter record for the second consecutive day. This spike in demand is typically seen during warmer months, reflecting the severity of the current cold snap. The average price for electricity on the grid during peak hours skyrocketed to $813.12 per megawatt-hour, a stark increase from approximately $52 the previous day.
Texas Weather and Power System Challenges
As the cold weather persists, cities like Dallas are expected to remain below freezing, while Houston may only reach the 40s°F. In response to the challenges posed by extreme weather, Texas regulators and lawmakers have taken steps to strengthen the state’s power infrastructure, particularly following the devastating grid failures during the winter storms of 2021. These failures resulted in numerous fatalities and widespread power outages, prompting a reevaluation of the state’s energy management strategies.
PJM Interconnection LLC, which oversees the electrical grid from Chicago to the East Coast, issued a cold weather alert earlier this week. They advised power plant operators to delay maintenance and testing whenever possible to ensure a stable power supply during this critical period.
A Warm-Up on the Horizon
Fortunately, relief is on the way. By this weekend, temperatures are expected to rise significantly across much of the US. Dallas is forecasted to experience a remarkable 45-degree temperature swing, with a high of 58°F anticipated for Sunday. Similarly, Kansas City is projected to reach a more temperate 48°F, offering a much-needed respite from the recent cold snap.
Preparing for Cold Weather
As the winter season continues, it is essential for residents in affected areas to stay informed about weather conditions and power supply updates. Ensuring that homes are adequately insulated and that emergency supplies are on hand can make a significant difference during extreme cold spells. For ongoing updates, residents can monitor resources such as the National Weather Service and local news outlets.
In summary, the current cold wave gripping the central and southern US has led to record-breaking low temperatures and unprecedented power demand. While the immediate future may be challenging, warmer weather is on the horizon, providing hope for relief from the biting cold.