EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)- The National Weather Service (NWS) in El Paso has issued a heat advisory on Wednesday, June 5 and stays in effect until Thursday, June 6.
Experts warn that the high temperatures can make it dangerous to be outdoors and exposed to the sun.
Picture credit of the NWS’ website
Although we are only 16 days away from the official start of summer, temperatures in El Paso are expected to reach as high as 106 degrees.
Jason Grzywacz, a meteorologist with NWS El Paso, said we may be in for another hot summer.
“It looks like it’s going to be another above normal summer right now,” said Grzywacz.
NWS reports that approximately 2 million people, including residents of Ciudad Juarez, are under a heat advisory, raising awareness of the risks associated with the scorching temperatures.
“We’re just bringing awareness to people to make sure you try to stay cool, wear light-colored clothing, drink lots of water, get into air conditioning,” Grzywacz added.
Experts also warn that asphalt can get well over 120 degrees, posing a risk to pets.
“I recommend walking your pets in the morning before it gets too hot or after the sun starts setting. Give the time for the pavement to cool off a little bit. Definitely don’t go and take them out in the asphalt in the middle of the daytime,” said Grzywacz.
The heat wave is expected to have physical effects on people and impacts on homes. El Paso Electric officials recommend running electric appliances in the afternoon hours.
El Paso Electric reported approximately over 1,000 customers without power in West El Paso on Wednesday, June 5, according to the company’s website.
Alejandro Ayala, distribution operations analyst for the company, said they have been preparing ahead of the summer season.
“As far as outages and keeping the house comfortable, what we recommend is maybe changing activities such as washing, cooking, anything like that to the afternoon hours just to keep the house more comfortable during the day,” said Alejandro Ayala with El Paso Electric.
Ayala also noted that the company has been installing smart meters.
“The meter will let us know when there’s an outage in your house instead of you actually calling us or maybe not knowing if it is an outage or if it is something just affecting your house,” said Ayala.
Ayala said as of right now, El Paso Electric has installed 260,000 smart meters in Central El Paso. This is a phasing project, and they are working to install more around the city.
Additionally, cooling stations have been opened in Las Cruces and El Paso to provide relief from the extreme temperatures.
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