Heat wave sparks severe storms and power outages across the South.

More than 50 million people in the Southeast are at risk of severe storms, including damaging wind gusts, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. At the same time, a blistering heat wave has left around 35 million people under heat alerts, with over 40 daily records expected to be tied or broken across Texas this week. Nearly half a million people across the South are without power, and cities are opening cooling centers to provide relief. The National Weather Service advises residents to stay inside during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and not leave children or pets in vehicles.