If the looming heat wave isn't enough to keep many Minnesotans inside Friday, the poor air quality may be.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on Thursday issued an air quality alert for east-central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area, from noon to 9 p.m. Friday.

Air quality values are expected to reach the "orange" category — unhealthy for sensitive groups such as those with underlying health conditions, especially respiratory conditions.

Sunny skies, hot temperatures, low humidity and light winds will produce an environment favorable for emissions that can quickly form ozone, the MPCA said.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the middle to upper 90s over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service. Friday's high may break the June 11 record of 96, and Saturday's is a sure bet to break the June 12 record of 92. Humidity will climb and make things feel even sultrier, forecasters said.

Another looming hazard Friday will be the extreme fire risk in northwestern Minnesota. The NWS issued a "red flag warning" for Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau counties. Burning is prohibited and residents are urged to check any areas where burning recently occurred to make sure all sparks are out.

The warning will expire at 9 p.m. Friday.