US heatwave causes blackouts with deaths reported across Northwest

The National Weather Service said the mercury reached 109 F (42.2 C) in Spokane — the highest temperature ever recorded there.

Robert Peluso of Blanchard and his dog Bailey cool off in the creek at Rathdrum’s City Park in Idaho (Kathy Plonka/The Spokesman-Review via AP)

The unprecedented Northwest US heatwave moved inland on Tuesday, prompting an electrical utility in Spokane, Washington, to resume rolling blackouts amid heavy power demand.

Officials said more than a half-dozen deaths in Washington and Oregon may be tied to the intense heat that began late last week.