For Friday, Aug. 8, 2023

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1 – What’s the risk of highly dangerous heat in your city? 

An extreme heat analysis by The Washington Post and a nonprofit called CarbonPlan looks at climate data. 

It predicts that by 2050, more than half of the world’s population will be exposed to at least a month of health-threatening extreme heat in the outdoors. 

Extremely risky heat is defined as 120 degrees Fahrenheit if it’s dry or the mid-90s if it’s humid. These temperatures can cause heat stress even for healthy adults. 

So, for Bay City and Saginaw, by 2050? Three days a year with highly dangerous heat in the sun.

Scientists say most of the danger will come in poor countries in already hot regions such as Asia and Africa. In the United States, 102 days of extreme heat are forecast for Phoenix by 2050 and 10 days for Washington, D.C.

You can find more online at WashingtonPost.com.

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2 – Consumers Energy is holding a series of public meetings this fall to discuss the future of hydroelectric dams it owns and operates on the Au Sable River in Northern Michigan.

Huron Pines, a nonprofit in Gaylord, notes that the utility owns 13 dams in the Lower Peninsula and is evaluating its hydroelectric plants as operating licenses begin to expire.

As part of the process, Consumers Energy is recognizing impacts on recreation, property values, tourism and the environment — and seeking public input.

Upcoming meetings start at 6 p.m. and include: Oct. 11 in Oscoda for the Loud and Five Channel dams, and Oct. 24 in Oscoda for the Cooke and Foote dams.

Virtual meetings are planned for Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 16. at 1 p.m. 

For more information, see ConsumersEnergy.com. 

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3 – The state has announced a special program for people who rely on a household or private well for their drinking water. 

The testing is free and funded by $5 million from the Michigan Legislature. 

The state Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Energy says water from private wells may sometimes not be safe to drink.

Most wells get checked when they are first built. However, the state and local health departments say water wells should be checked more frequently.

Testing can determine if there have been water quality changes that could be harmful.

Residents who test through the free program will receive assistance to help determine next steps if test results show a problem with their well water.

State officials advise well water users to talk to their local health departments or go to Michigan.gov/EGLE for more information. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Fridays at 9:30 a.m. in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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