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Climate Adaptation

California Summer of Heat, Power and Fire Woes Arrives Early

  • People asked to curb power use; state seeks to avoid blackouts
  • Drought and strained power supplies plague entire western U.S.
A runner cools off under an outdoor shower in Houston, Texas, on June 15.Photographer: Zach Chambers/Bloomberg
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California is getting an early taste of the summer that state officials have been dreading all year.

A heat wave spanning much of the western U.S. has brought triple-digit temperatures to parts of the state, sending power demand soaring and threatening blackouts once again. Trees, grass and brush left parched by a nearly rain-free winter are catching flame.