Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for western and central areas of Saskatchewan.

The weather agency says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes.

A very strong upper-level jet will move into west-central Saskatchewan from Alberta early Thursday afternoon. Environment Canada says as it does so, thunderstorms are expected to develop. Some of these thunderstorms will be severe.

It adds that conditions in the lower levels of the atmosphere are such that tornadoes are possible with the stronger storms. As such, a tornado watch has been issued for this area. In addition, large hail and damaging winds are likely with any of the stronger thunderstorms.

The threat of severe weather will end early this evening in west-central Saskatchewan.

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