Xcel urges outage preparedness as dangerous heat bears down
Utility puts crews on standby as triple-digit temperatures threaten region; customers encouraged to make emergency plans
Xcel Energy is urging customers to prepare for possible power outages as an extended stretch of dangerous heat settles over South Dakota and much of the Upper Midwest.
The utility said it is prepared for increased electricity demand and will have crews on standby as temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s and lower 100s this week across the Dakotas, Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Forecasters say a strong, persistent heat dome is expected to bring temperatures well above normal with little overnight relief. Highs approaching or exceeding 100 degrees are forecast throughout much of South Dakota, while overnight lows are expected to remain in the 70s, increasing the risk of heat-related illness because the body has less opportunity to recover from daytime heat.
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