In Nevada and Arizona, Lake Mead’s water levels sank to an all-time low

endangering drinking supplies for nearly 25 million Americans. It was the US’s worst heatwave since, well, May. 

As heatwaves get longer, the US will eventually suffer one that lasts weeks. When that happens, says Klinenberg, the country’s aged electrical grids may not cope with rising demand. 

If grids fail, food will rot, residents of high-storey apartment buildings risk being trapped without elevators, and it won’t be possible to pump water to people living above the sixth floor.

Simon Kuper 23 June 2022

https://www.ft.com/content/48f20f75-92aa-40d5-8063-13a32fceac36