The Nation : Heat Still Plagues South

A record-breaking heat wave blamed for three deaths gripped the South for a fifth day, threatening crops and water supplies. More than 750,000 chickens have died in three states during the hot spell. Temperatures again soared past 90 degrees before noon in many places, and the National Weather Service predicted no relief before the weekend. Nine cities set record highs, including Tampa, Fla., where the 99-degree reading was the warmest for any date since reporting began in 1890. A new record daily high of 100 was established for the fourth straight day at Macon, Ga., and for the third time in the last four days, Montgomery, Ala., reached 101.