State health officials have confirmed the first death from the extreme heat of the past week. According to the state Health Department, a 68-year-old woman in La Crosse County died as a result of heat-related causes. A second death in that county is also being investigated for a possible connection to the recent triple-digit temperatures.
Four other deaths where heat may have been a factor remain under investigation. Three of those are in Rock County and one is in Richland County.
State health officials are urging people to take precautions in the extreme heat, and to also check on elderly neighbors and family members who are going without air conditioning.
An excessive heat advisory for most of southern Wisconsin has been extended until Saturday night.