Millions of Texans faced oppressive heat without air conditioning following Tropical Storm Beryl, which caused widespread power outages across southeast Texas. The storm, initially deadly in the Caribbean before reaching Texas, led to significant damage, including flooded highways and downed power lines. About 2 million homes and businesses were left without electricity as temperatures soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 C), exacerbating dangerous conditions without cooling relief.
The aftermath of Beryl also impacted the Western U.S. and Canada, where scorching temperatures heightened wildfire risks. Record-breaking heat was reported from the Mojave Desert in California, where temperatures reached 129 F (54 C), to cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson experiencing highs in the 110s F (40s C). The heat wave extended into western Canada, prompting heat warnings across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, areas already grappling with ongoing wildfires.
The combination of extreme heat and power outages created dire circumstances for residents like Raymond Miller in Houston, who described discomfort and challenges in securing basic necessities. With gas shortages compounding the situation, many struggled to find relief as the heat wave persisted across the region.
