Local News

NASHVILLE – There was a little reprieve from the opressive heat yesterday afternoon when storms moved through the mid state area on Thursday, but the relief will be short lasting.

Temperatures are expected to be up near 100 degrees by the start of next week, say the National Weather Service forecasters in Nashville.

"Starting Monday, it's going to get hot again," said John Cohen, a meteorologist with the service.

"We will see temperatures head back up into the upper 90s and the humidity will also head back up there. It's difficult to tell about heat advisories, but it's a possibility that they may be flying again next week."

Thursday saw temperatures drop from the 90s to the mid-70s as a late afternoon storm front passed through. The only damage was a few downed trees and power lines, according to Amanda Sluss, spokeswoman for the Metro Office of Emergency Management.

NES listed 8,607 customers as being without power just after the storm moved through at about 1:15 p.m. Most were in the southern pars of Davidson County.

Today, temperatures will go back up to the mid-90s with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms, Cohen said. Nashville is going to see dry conditions with the hear in the mid-90s Saturday and Sunday, he added.

The American Red Cross-operated cooling center at the Mount Nebo Baptist Church or Clifton Ave closes at 9 a.m. today. Metro is urging people that do not have air conditioning to go to public libraries, community ceneters or the Nashville Farmer's Market to escape the heat.

Health officials reported that three heat related deaths in the Memphis area brought the total to 13.

A statement from Dr Karen E. Chancellor, Shelby County's medical examiner, said that a 64-year-old woman was found in her backyard by her husband. Chancellor says that the excessive heat contributed to her demise.

Two other deaths were caused by heat stroke. An 81-year-old woman who died in her home and a 70-year-old man was found in the middle of a major thoroughfare.

Heat indexes have been cresting over 100 degrees throughout the summer in Memphis. Heat index combines the air temperature and the humidity level to show how it actually feels outside.

County officials urge people to limit outdoor time and drink plenty of fluids.

No deaths in Nashville have been contributed to the hear, but area hospitals have reported a number of heat-related illnesses.

A police dog died from heat exhaustion after a search for two burglars in Blount County in East Tennessee. A deputy and another dog, also in the Blount County Sheriff's Office, were treated for heat exhaustion.

Meteorologists blame the continuing heat on high-pressure pressure systems hanging over Tennesse with little movement. There is no indication that it is going to move away any time soon. Higher than normal temperatures could last through September into October.