Hundreds gathered in Coolidge Park Sunday evening to view the fireworks show after a concert by the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Orchestra during the 2011 Pops on the River celebration.Time to bring out the stars, the stripes and the sunscreen.
The temperature reached 96 degrees Sunday, and it will simmer in that range on the Fourth of July, according to WRCB Channel 3 chief meteorologist Paul Barys.
"It's not outrageous, but it's hot," Barys said.
Today's projection is below Chattanooga's record holiday temperature of 99 degrees, but it's well above the city's average of 89 degrees for the Fourth, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tenn.
A 30 to 40 percent chance of showers could bring down the heat later in the day, but showers likely will not last long enough douse any holiday plans.
"It will be some good relief," said Tim Doyle, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
The incoming moisture is from a cold front moving into the area that likely will bring stronger chances of rainfall throughout the rest of the week, Doyle said.