Deadly heat wave and storms bake southern U.S., shattering records

Excessive heat warnings and advisories have been issued for over 40 million Americans as temperatures soar to dangerous levels across Texas, Louisiana and Florida
A severe weather outbreak has spawned over 1,000 reports of damaging winds, hail and tornadoes since Tuesday, including a tornado that killed three people in West Texas
Major cities like Houston and San Antonio could feel hotter than 120 degrees this weekend, threatening vulnerable residents and straining power grids
Cooling shelters have opened across the South to provide relief, while residents are advised to stay indoors, hydrated and check on neighbors
The extreme weather is linked to human-caused climate change according to climate scientists, and shows no signs of letting up anytime soon