A statewide Flex Alert, asking residents to conserve electricity from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, has been issued as temperatures are expected to soar across the state, with some of the most searing heat expected in inland Southern California.

Much of the state is expected to see above average temperatures Wednesday, officials with the California Independent System Operator Tuesday said in a news release.

It marks the first statewide Flex Alert issued in 2022 by Cal-ISO, which manages the state’s power grid.

A Flex Alert is issued when the electricity grid is under stress because of generation or transmission outages or from persistent hot temperatures, Cal-ISO said.

During the Flex Alert, consumers are asked to set their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits, and take other voluntary measures, including avoiding the use of major appliances and unnecessary lights. Cal-ISO recommended that residents take steps before the Flex Alert takes effect, such as pre-cooling homes to 72 degrees and closing blinds and drapes.

A heat advisory will be in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday in Riverside County valleys, with temperatures expected to range from the upper 90s to as high as 104 degrees.

Highs approaching the triple digits are expected in the Inland Empire for the next few days, thus a Heat Advisory is in effect through 8 PM Wednesday.

Be sure to hydrate regularly and never leave pets or kids unattended in a locked vehicle! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/cSlHAFVjYt

— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) August 15, 2022

City News Service contributed to this report.

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