Severe thunderstorm warnings, watches issued for western Sask.

Areas of western Saskatchewan are under severe thunderstorm warnings and watches.

Environment Canada issued the warnings late Thursday afternoon for areas around Leader, Gull Lake, Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Val Marie and Cypress Hills. Watches are in effect for areas around Kindersley, Rosetown, Biggar, Wilkie, Macklin, Swift Current, Herbert, Cabri, Kyle and Lucky Lake.

The weather service said the thunderstorms could produce strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

“Scattered thunderstorms are developing over northern Montana this afternoon,” the advisory read. “This area of thunderstorms is expected to increase in coverage and track into southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan this evening.

“Some of these thunderstorms could reach severe thresholds. The threat for severe thunderstorms will diminish late this evening.”

For more information, visit the Environment Canada alerts page.