Heat advisory continues into today as TVA hits 10-year high for electricity demand
Published 9:10 am Thursday, August 12, 2021
MADISON – The Tennessee Valley Authority is experiencing a 10-year high in August electricity demand for its service area as Madison and most of North Alabama continue under a heat advisory today.
The high temperature is predicted to reach 92 to 93 degrees today, producing a heat index between 105-106, according to the National Weather Service in Huntsville.
The heat caused a surge in power demand for TVA on Tuesday. It marked “the first time since Aug. 3, 2011, that we have been above 30,000 megawatts in August,” according to TVA spokesperson Scott Fiedler.
“Temperature is the biggest driver for electricity usage. The hotter it is, the more power is used,” he said.
During a heat advisory, people should limit outdoor activity, wear light clothing and stay hydrated, according to Matt Anderson, meteorologist at the National Weather Service of Huntsville. Also, he said, if you must be outside, try to only do so during the cooler hours of the day and take frequent breaks.
The weather Friday and Saturday will be a bit cooler, with no heat advisory. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is 105 degrees or above. The temperatures for Friday and Saturday will be in the upper 80s to lower 90s with a heat index near 100. Rain is predicted for Sunday, cooling things down to the high 80s and a heat index in the low 90s.
