Deadly Heat Wave Sparks Severe Weather and Power Outages Across Southern US

A heat wave across the southern US has triggered thunderstorms, power outages, and wildfires, with potentially record-breaking temperatures expected to continue into midweek. Five people have died as a result of the storms and extreme weather. Louisiana has declared a state of emergency for north and central parts of the state, and over 740,000 people are without power in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The weather service has issued heat advisories for much of the southern US, warning people to take precautions and practice heat safety. Fire crews are battling multiple wildfires in Arizona and New Mexico, with gusty winds creating potentially critical fire weather.