Heat wave could set new record highs in southern states

ATLANTA (AP) Forecasters say high temperatures in the mid-80s across much of Georgia and Alabama could break records.

The National Weather Service forecasts a high of 82 degrees in Atlanta on Tuesday. That would tie the record high for the date, which was set in 2012.

The weather service projects highs Tuesday in the mid-80s in the Georgia cities of Athens, Columbus and Macon. That could tie or break records, since record highs in those cities range from 85-87 degrees for this date.

In northern Alabama, high temperatures in the lower to mid-80s will be around 20 degrees above normal.

The weather service is projecting a high of 83 degrees in Birmingham, Alabama, which would approach the record of 84 for the date.