Relentless Heat Wave Still Broils U.S.; 90-Plus Readings Common

A blistering heat wave continued to scorch much of the nation Tuesday.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said afternoon temperatures were in the 100- to 105-degree range over Oklahoma, Central Texas and the desert Southwest.

Temperatures in the 90s and higher were reported from southern New England to Florida, from the Ohio Valley to the central Gulf and over the lower half of the Mississippi Valley and the southern half of the plains.

The temperature in Dallas, where the mercury hit 107 degrees Monday, was at 99 by 1 p.m. San Antonio reported 96 degrees, while St. Louis, Oklahoma City and Nashville, Tenn., all had highs of 95.

Philadelphia reported a record 42nd day of 90-degree weather for the year, breaking the mark set in 1983. It also was the 12th straight day of 90 degrees or higher for the city, just one short of the record 13 days set in 1953.

Newark, N.J., tied the record of 12 straight days of 90-degree heat set in 1972. It was the 35th day this summer that temperatures have reached or topped 90, five short of the mark set in 1959 and tied in 1983.

At least four people have died from heat-related problems in the Chicago area since last week and a spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner said the heat probably contributed to a fifth--a 56-year-old suburban man who collapsed while mowing his lawn.

Officials in Michigan said ozone levels in the western part of the state have hit record highs during the recent spell of hot, muggy weather.