Power Grid Warnings Issued As Heat Index Climbs to 106
Posted
Aaron Organ-aorgan@timesuniononline.com
The oppressive heat baking the region this week has required power companies and the farming industry to take caution, and some government agencies to issue warnings on how to combat and cope with the rising mercury.
In a week that has seen temperatures pushing 100 degrees every day, with heat index values well above the century mark and humidity figures teetering on unbearable, residents and businesses alike have been forced to find methods to fight the searing madness.
Thursday, the Indiana Department of Labor issued a notice on hot and humid working conditions, saying that heat-related illness is fully preventable and warning employers to ensure their employees are protected. The state suggests workers stay hydrated by drinking 5 to 7 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes when working in extreme heat and humidity, and take regular rest breaks and seek relief in shaded areas.
In the private sector, residents are being asked to restrict the use of electricity, as the Kosciusko REMC has issued a power grid warning. KREMC said supplies of electricity are “very tight,” and is asking residents to cut back usage by turning off lights, delaying using major appliances until night or early morning hours, and to set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees to reduce the demand on the electric grid system.
Northern Indiana Public Service Co. offered much of the same tips in a Thursday release, as the power and gas company monitors its electronic delivery system to avoid potential interruptions in service. NIPSCO said it has sent crews out with infrared technology to scan for “hot spots” as a proactive measure, and is on a stand-by status to respond to outages.
The agriculture industry might be experiencing the most damning effects of the heat wave, as crops and livestock do not thrive in excessive heat as a rule.
Kip Tom, chief executive officer and president of Tom Farms, Leesburg, said his corn crops have experienced diminished yields as a result of the constant heat and lack of rains. Tom said that this time of the season is one of the most critical times in the development of corn, and with a demand for water and the heat, he estimates his yields have dropped a barrel a day.
Tom said the daytime temperatures have been just as damaging to his crops as the overnight temperatures have been. Corns do not grow in temperatures more than 88 degrees, requiring time to recover, and recent conditions have not been conducive to growth.
Tom, like everyone else it seems, is hoping for rain.
According to the National Weather Service, it might be on the horizon, but the sweltering conditions will live through the weekend. The service has extended an Extended Heat Warning previously scheduled to be lifted Thursday now until Saturday.
Below wildly sunny skies, temperatures are expected to climb to the mid-90s again today, with the heat index as high as 106, the National Weather Service reports.
Much of the same is forecasted for Saturday, with a high 91 degrees and a heat index value as high as 103. Relief comes next week, the service says, with temperatures forecasted to plummet into the upper 80s for most of the week.
