Hottest day in 77 years in Washington, DC

Washington Aug 9 (UNI) The US capital has experienced the hottest day in 77 years, with mercury touching a record 102 degree Fahrenheit mark.

The normal high for this date is 88 degrees. The earlier record, 101, was set in 1930, during the hottest 30-day period in Washington history.

The new record high temperature yesterday affected the tempo of life in the Washington, DC, area. Metro trains ran at speed less than 45 miles per hour, instead of the usual speed of 59 miles per hour, because excessive heat can bend steel rails.

Some offices reported low attendance. Authorities have appealed to people to conserve electricity.

UNI