The excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service continues through Wednesday night.

“The combination of hot temperature and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely,” the warning states. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives, neighbors and pets.”

In these conditions, many Albert Lea business leaders were expecting to play golf at high noon today at Green Lea Golf Course for the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing, a fundraiser for the organization.

Forecasters say the heat wave gripping the central U.S. is “unrelenting” and sweaty residents shouldn’t expect any relief soon.

Heat advisories and warnings are in place in 17 states, from Texas to Michigan, as temperatures and humidity combine to make being outside uncomfortable for millions.

The Schwan’s USA Cup youth soccer tournament in Blaine suspended play for a time Sunday because of heat indexes that soared to 110 degrees. Tournament spokesman Barclay Kruse said organizers wanted to avoid any heat-related health issues before they developed.

The dew point of 86 in the “Lutefisk Capital” of Madison was 86 Sunday night — a mark not seen for a dozen years. According to KSTP-TV, the only other spot in the Western Hemisphere with a dew point in the 80s on Sunday was the Amazon Jungle in South America.

The weather service forecasts a high for today of 96 in Albert Lea and for Tuesday of 93. The temperature on Sunday reached 90, with the dew point hitting 81.