Record heat gives way to likely power shutoffs in Shasta, Butte

PG&E trucks and workers are seen along California Highway 89 near Greenville on Aug. 7, 2021.

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Redding and the North State are moving from record-breaking heat and hazardous air quality this week to windy weather conditions that could force Pacific Gas & Electric Co. officials to cut power to nearly 39,000 residents in Shasta, Tehama and Butte counties.

Redding endured the hottest day of the summer so far on Sunday when the temperature reached a record-breaking 116 degrees under smoky skies that in some places reached “hazardous” levels.

But a change is in the air, with the high temperatures this week dropping down into the 90s and offshore winds picking up Tuesday. The hot and dry conditions, though, could mean trouble for the utility.

With winds of up to 26 mph forecast for Tuesday, PG&E said it may have to cut power to customers in some areas to prevent trees and branches from being blown into energized power lines and starting fires.

PG&E sent updated notices on Monday night warning about 48,000 customers of potential “public safety power shutoffs” the utility may have to shut off electricity in 18 counties.

The new notices now include about 600 customers from Colusa and Nevada counties, adds at least 10,000 more customers from Shasta and Tehama and reduces how many may be affected in Butte.

The majority of the shutoffs would be in Shasta, Butte and Tehama counties. An estimated 19,999 customers in Shasta County, 11,114 customers in Butte County and 7,473 in Tehama County could be affected.

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Shutoffs could start between 7-9 p.m. Tuesday

To reduce the risk of wildfires, PG&E shuts off power during extreme weather conditions, such as when the forecast calls for sustained winds above 20 mph and wind gusts above 30 to 40 mph.

PG&E officials estimate the shutoffs would start between 7 and 9 p.m. Tuesday with the goal to restore power by 10 a.m. Thursday.

While the temperature in Redding and the rest of the North State is forecast to remain in the 90s, the smoky conditions from numerous wildfires in the North State are likely to remain.

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Air quality officials are asking the public to avoid outdoor activity when possible.

Air quality readings Monday afternoon just west of Redding reached 400 on the air quality index, which means breathing the air is hazardous to health. Closer to downtown Redding, the air quality index hovered closer to 200, an “unhealthy” rating.

The smoke in the air usually helps cool afternoon high temperatures, said Hannah Chandler-Cooley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

August sets a record

But on Sunday, even the smoke could not tamp down temperatures.

“So normally, it (the smoke) causes temperatures to be lower than forecast. Because it’s thick enough, it can block the heating from the sun from essentially reaching the surface,” she said. “But it looks like yesterday, there was just enough of the smoke that cleared for a little bit so it wasn’t quite as dense for a period of time, and that’s all it took for the temperature to be able to rise.”

Prior to Sunday, the highest temperatures for both June and July was 114 degrees, Chandler-Cooley said. The Weather Service forecast a high of 107 on Monday.

Despite the smoke and heat, Calvin and Clarissa Sie could not resist getting out for a walk across the Sundial Bridge in Redding on Monday.

The two stopped in Redding as they traveled from Seattle to San Francisco, where both cities have been cooler.

“I have a question. How can people survive here?” Calvin Sie said.

Both said they were concerned about breathing the smoke outdoors and planned to return to their hotel room to seek shelter.

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If power shutoffs are implemented this week, seeking shelter from the heat indoors may become more difficult for reside
nts who live outside Redding, which operates its own electrical utility.

PG&E customers can look up their address online to find out if their area will be monitored for possible power outages on the utility’s website.

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