ATLANTA — The heat wave that sent temperatures soaring across Georgia is expected to break its grip on the state.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service predict a high temperature just above 90 degrees in Atlanta by Tuesday, with a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday night.

High temperatures Wednesday through Friday in Atlanta are expected to be around 88 to 89 degrees.

That's far cooler than last week's scorching heat, which shattered record high temperatures in several Georgia cities.

National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Orrison says a cold front expected to move through the South will usher in the cooler weather.