
September Nymex natural gas (NGU23) on Wednesday closed +0.182 (+6.55%).
Nat-gas prices Wednesday extended this week's sharp rally to a 5-1/2 month high on the outlook for excessive heat in the U.S. to boost nat-gas demand from electricity providers to power air conditioning. Forecaster Maxar Technologies said near-record heat will persist throughout the Southwest through August 18, with above-normal temperatures spreading into the East and Midwest August 19-23.