Hot Enough For Ya? Temp Hits 91 in Laguna Friday

Residents are encouraged to close the curtains and turn off air conditioners as much as possible this weekend, in order to help avoid rotating power outages while the temperatures rise.

The California Independent System Operator issued the Flex Alert on Thursday and it remains in effect through Friday night because of the current heat wave. The alert is the first step in reducing the demands on the electricity system to avoid the potential for rotating outages. Officials say the alert was sparked by the heat wave smothering Southern California and in part to with the .

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for several cities around Los Angeles County, and Orange County continues to heat up too with highs in the mid to upper 90s expected to continue inland through Sunday.

Temperatures in Laguna Beach reached 91 degrees today, Friday, at 2 p.m., according to AccuWeather.com, and the forecast calls for more hot weather through the weekend.

Here's how you can help conserve some energy:

• Set your thermostat to 78 or higher, and turn it off when you are not home
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances
• Use major appliances after 6 p.m.
• Cool with fans and close the curtains to help keep the heat out
• Turn off the computer monitor when you're away from your desk
• Turn off lights when you leave the room
• Switch off half the overhead lights