Heat records are broken in California, putting further strain on the electricity grid

 On Sunday, temperatures in the Central Valley of California were predicted to reach record highs from Sacramento to outside of Los Angeles. Officials issued a warning that the state could experience a dangerous heat wave that could last through the end of the week and push the boundaries of the electrical grid.

On Sunday, state officials urged citizens to use less electricity for the fifth straight day as energy demand increased and temperatures continued to rise.

On Sunday, the Central Valley experienced the worst of the heat. The National Weather Service warned that by midweek, the temperature could reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius), and advised locals to stay inside to avoid heat-related disease.

The National Weather Service Sacramento posted on Twitter on Sunday that "the heat wave begins in earnest today with hazardous temperatures now anticipated to linger through the end of the week."

According to National Weather Service forecaster Tony Fracasso, the Southern California city of San Diego, which on Saturday set a record high temperature of 95 degrees, could set another record on Sunday. However, there is a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, which could provide some relief.

The California Independent System Operator (ISO), which is in charge of the state's electricity grid, has extended a "flex alert" to a fifth day and is requesting that people in the state turn off their lights, raise their thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, and refrain from using large appliances.

The organization stated in a news release that "Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday in particular are shaping up to be the most tough of this heat wave."

It continued that the state's continuing wildfires and any future flames could damage power lines and generators, putting further strain on the electrical system. Climate change has left California more susceptible to wildfires than ever due to more than two decades of drought and rising temperatures.

The fast-moving Mill Fire, which forced thousands of residents to leave their homes, was being fought by firefighters in Siskiyou County in northern California. The maximum temperature for Sunday was predicted to be 95 degrees.

According to a video his office posted on social media, Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue stated at a community gathering on Sunday that two people perished in the fire.

In the upcoming days, temperatures were predicted to reach 100 degrees. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reports that as of Sunday morning, the fire had burnt more than 4,000 acres and was 25% contained.