High temperatures overload Shanghai electrical grid.

Parts of Shanghai experienced periodic blackouts on 7 July 2008 after soaring energy demand due to high temperatures overloaded the city's electrical grid. Temperatures in the city reached their highest mark since recordkeeping began at 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.8 degrees Celsius) on 5 July. City officials announced they might have to introduce rolling blackouts to ameliorate the situation. Shanghai's neighboring provinces also experienced energy shortages despite the fact that all backup power generators were in use. The State Electricity Regulatory Commission did not indicate when full power will be restored -- especially as demand peaks during the summer months -- and periodic blackouts are expected for the immediate future.