California's grid operator issued a statewide "flex alert" for Wednesday and Thursday as an intense heat wave increased electrical demand and threatened available power supplies.
Driving the news: Residents are asked to voluntary conserve energy from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both days while the excessive heat increases air condition use, per the California Independent System Operator, which runs most of the state’s electric grid.
A prolonged and intense heat wave has begun to swelter much of the Southwest this week — and by early next week, dozens of records are likely to have been set.
What to expect: The heat wave is forecast to culminate with a dangerously hot Labor Day weekend across much of California, Nevada, Oregon and surrounding states in the West.
The flooding crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, is causing schools and local governments to shift their weekly plans as residents remain unable to drink fresh water.
The big picture: The Pearl River flood has caused water pressure issues in Mississippi's capital city, leaving many residents without running water. The crisis is now taking a toll on cities, residents and local sports teams.
The devastating floods in Pakistan are the result of a "monsoon on steroids," U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned in remarks Tuesday.
Driving the news: More than 33 million people have been impacted by the floods that have accompanied the start of the monsoon season in June. At least 1,130 people have died as a result, AP reported on Monday.
One of your most powerful tools — to improve health, bolster relationships and just feel better — is your smile. It's that simple.
Why it matters: Americans tend to smile more and wider than folks in other countries, research shows. Those megawatt grins are actually good for our mental and physical health.
Zoom in: The science-backed benefits of smiling include stress relief, pain relief and strengthened relationships.
/2022/08/29/1661807151529.gif?w=3840)