UNDATED - A new record high for the date was set in Gainesville Tuesday - and Georgia has its second reported heat-related death as the heat wave continues.
The 98-degree reading in Gainesville Tuesday eclipsed the old record of 96 which was set in 1957. It was the third record high in Gainesville in a week. On two other days in that time period, the record high was tied. More records may be set Wednesday across the state.
HEAT-RELATED DEATH
Meanwhile, Georgia's second heat-related death of the current heat wave has been reported.
Authorities say Charles Holcomb, 65, of Rome died in his mobile home. A friend found his body Monday, and the air condition in Holcomb's trailer was not working.
Floyd County's deputy coroner says it was so hot inside the trailer that it was nearly impossible to breathe.
County officials have opened cooling centers for people who have no way to cool their homes.
Ruby Cofer, 87, was found dead in her Atlanta apartment Sunday as a result of the heat, the Fulton County medical examiner said. Hers was the first Georgia death officially linked to weather that has set record highs climbing into triple digits in recent days.
Authorities say that when her body was found, the windows to her apartment were closed and the air conditioning was turned off.
Wednesday's temperatures are expected to be in the high 90s and reach into the triple digits in parts of the state. A Code Red smog alert is in effect, meaning the air quality is bad for everyone.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
Monday
October 14th, 2024
6:22PM
