Energy supplies threatened in US heatwave

The death toll from a 37.8 Celsius-plus heat wave continued rising as utilities renewed their pleas for energy conservation to avoid rolling blackouts.

Slightly cooler temperatures were expected in California, thought the misery index remained high: temperatures in the Central Valley were expected to reach 37.8 to 40.6 Celsius on Tuesday, compared to 43 to 46 Celsius during previous days, the National Weather Service said.

Authorities were investigating at least 34 deaths possibly caused by the heat, most in the steamy Central Valley. Officials said most of the victims were elderly.
Sidney Morning Herald