![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/scientists-fear-thousands-of-deaths-in-uninhabitable-city-if-power-cut-hits/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/0_US-WEATHER-HEATWAVE-CLIMATE.jpg&description=Phoenix, Arizona, is amid a record breaking heatwave and experts fear another such spell of scorching temperatures combined with a power outtage could lead to thousands of deaths Half of residents in a city declared 'uninhabitable' would need emergency care if power went out during a heatwave. Meteorologist Laura Tobin, said that Phoenix, Arizona, has become "one of the first" places in the world to be deemed "uninhabitable without aircon". The South-Western city is currently in the middle of a severe heatwave with yesterday marking 19 days straight of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) or more. With these excruciating temperatures, aircon will have to be run almost continuously putting immense strain on the city's power grid. This week the region's two largest utility companies broke records for the most amount of energy customers used at once. Scientists found that a multi-day power outage could lead to over 50 per cent of the city's residents needing emergency care and could lead to 13,250 deaths. 'In hot cities, air conditioning is a critical lifeline in the summer,' said David Hondula, director of Phoenix's Office of Heat Response and Mitigation and one of the study's co-authors. Thankfully, Mr Hondula emphasised he does not expect this scenario will actually happen. The report - How Blackouts during Heat Waves Amplify Mortality and Morbidity Risk - serves as a warning on the impact this unprecedented weather is having. No other major city – defined as the 25 most populous in the United States – has had any stretch of 110-degree (43.3-degree) days or 90-degree (32.2-degree) nights longer than Phoenix. This heatwave led to local electricity providers Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project (SRP) reporting record usage. 'We're one of the fastest-growing areas of the U.S., so it's not too surprising to see our peak demand needs increasing year over year,' said Pam Syrjala, SRP's director of supply, trading and fuels. She added: 'Air conditioning is probab){kind=link}
Phoenix, Arizona, is amid a record breaking heatwave and experts fear another such spell of scorching temperatures combined with a power outtage could lead to thousands of deaths
Half of residents in a city declared ‘uninhabitable’ would need emergency care if power went out during a heatwave.
Meteorologist Laura Tobin, said that Phoenix, Arizona, has become “one of the first” places in the world to be deemed “uninhabitable without aircon”.
The South-Western city is currently in the middle of a severe heatwave with yesterday marking 19 days straight of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) or more.
With these excruciating temperatures, aircon will have to be run almost continuously putting immense strain on the city’s power grid. This week the region’s two largest utility companies broke records for the most amount of energy customers used at once.