Freeborn, Faribault, Waseca and Steele counties are under a tornado watch until midnight Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather agency states scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected this evening, mainly between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. Friday.

Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

In addition to the tornado watch, the area remains under a heat advisory through 7 p.m. Friday. Heat index values as high as 106 could be possible Friday.