By Trey Mewes, Austin Daily Herald

The Austin and Albert Lea area is in for a steamy start to the week.

The National Weather Service out of La Crosse, Wis., issued a heat advisory through 9 p.m. Monday, as temperatures are expected to reach 88 degrees with heat indices close to 100 this afternoon and early evening.

Highs around 88 and heat indices near 100 are also expected Tuesday, before highs drop to the upper 70s for the rest of the week.

“This is a short-lived heat up for us and then we cool right back down,” said John Wetenkamp, NWS meteorologist.

Wetenkamp said a warm air mass and dew points responsible for the increase in heat will likely move out of the area by Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to remain slightly lower than normal throughout the rest of the week and into next month.

The warm weather increases the chance for heat-related illnesses, especially for young and elderly residents.

The weather service also urged people to take precautions when spending time outside and to reschedule strenuous activities for the early morning or evenings.