BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) – An oppressive heat wave blamed for a death in Mississippi eased a little across the Southeast on Wednesday after a cold front pushed through the region, bringing damaging storms along with lower temperatures.
Stifling heat and humidity that had made it feel like it was 120 degrees (49 Celsius) in places was replaced by slightly cooler weather, forecasters said. Damaging overnight storms ripped up roofs, knocked down power lines and toppled trees in northwest Alabama. No injuries were reported, but the National Weather Service warned of additional severe thunderstorms near the Florida Panhandle as the front moved southward.
In Chattanooga, Tuesday was the hottest day of the year, hitting 100.
But the heat here and across the South subsided because of a front that brought overnight storms that left shattered roofs, downed power lines and toppled trees in northwest Alabama. No injuries were reported.
On Wednesday the high was expected to reach 91, according to WRCB-TV Channel 3. Thursday and Friday are expected to be about the same. It’s a welcome break from earlier in the week when the heat index topped 109 degrees.