Hot weather continues, setting records (UALR Public Radio) - Another scorcher today after record temperatures were set in some Arkansas cities yesterday.

Monticello reached 109 degrees Wednesday and in Little Rock a record of 104 degrees for the date was set.

With at least two deaths attributed to the high temperatures, state health officials say Arkansans should be aware of the potential for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Entergy Arkansas, the state's largest electric utility, called for energy conservation after a transformer failed in central Arkansas.

The city of Benton, which operates its own
power grid, scheduled rolling blackouts yesterday and opened shelters, where residents could come to stay cool. The mayor ordered shutting off power to city hall and water pumping stations and operating them with generators.

The city utility said it could shut off power to sections of town in 75 to 120 minute increments.But, fortunately, no blackouts occurred.

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