Hot and humid temperatures will continue through tonight as Freeborn County remains under a heat advisory.

High temperatures are forecasted to be in the low- to mid-90s with heat indices between 95 and 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Albert Lea’s high on Wednesday was 91 degrees with a heat index of 94.

The heat is occurring in response to a large area of high pressure over the Midwest.

A cold front will drop south tonight with cooler air expected Friday.

The National Weather Service said the prolonged hot and humid conditions will lead to a heightened risk of heat-related stress and illness, especially for the young and elderly and for people without air conditioning.

The Weather Service advised people to drink plenty of fluids and to stay in an air conditioned room out of the sun.

People working outdoors are advised to schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. The Albert Lea Salvation Army will have a cooling station until about 4 p.m. in a tent near its office on Court Street.

The county is also under a hazardous weather outlook with the most likely window for strong to severe storms tonight, according to the Weather Service.

There is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Friday with sunny conditions the rest of the day. Thunderstorms will return to the region Sunday night and into Tuesday.