A year after the extreme heat of August 2007, the current heat wave is coming to an end.

Wednesday's official high temperature at Augusta's Daniel Field Airport reached 103 degrees. The thermometer at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field, the official reporting station for Augusta, only reached 99 degrees. There was question as to whether the thermometer malfunctioned, but the National Weather Service in Columbia says a small shower over the airport caused the temperature to drop during the afternoon. NBC Augusta has not been able to independently confirm that a shower existed, however.

The record high for Wednesday was 104, set just last year. At NBC Augusta in downtown, the high reached 104, with a heat index topping out at an astounding 117.

On August 5, 2007, the infamous heat wave began with highs in the triple digits that continued all the way through August 17, with just one day with a high in the 90s. The heat wave peaked August 10, 2007, with a high of 108, tying Augusta's all-time record high.

As we mark the one year anniversary of that heat wave, our current heat wave is on the down slide. Thursday's high is expected to reach the upper 90s, followed by much cooler conditions for the weekend with highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s. The average high for this time of year is 91.

A Heat Advisory had been in effect for our area Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, but an advisory was not issued for Thursday. However, with high humidity in place, heat index values could still reach 105.

A cold front will move through our area late Friday. With dry Canadian high pressure behind the front, relatively comfortable conditions are expected for the weekend.