Temps soar into triple-digits

GAINESVILLE - Temperatures in many parts of north Georgia soared into the triple-digits Friday, as expected.

The high at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville reached 102... matching the record high for the date which was set in 1931. Athens tied the record for the date which was also set in 1931 with a 107-degree reading Friday afternoon. It was 104 in Winder, well above the record of 99 which was set in 1956. The high in Cornelia was 102. In many places temperatures were still in the low- to mid-90s as late at 8:00 Friday night with some upper 90s. It was 99 at 8:00 in Gainesville.

More of the same, triple-digit and record or near-record highs, is forecast for north Georgia through at least Monday. In addition, an increase in humidity over the weekend is expected to increase heat indices significantly.

The National Weather Service Friday afternoon issued a Heat Advisory for areas west and south of Eton, Canton, and Gainesville - and northwest from a line near Athens through Macon and Lumpkin, near the Georgia-Alabama line. (See separate posting.)