York County and the surrounding area are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Residents in the region can expect heavy downpours, lightning and high winds this afternoon and evening as a strong cold front moves east. Storms that form along the front could produce tornadoes, according to the weather service.

In the York area, the severe weather isn't expected until after 2 p.m. Temperatures should peak near 81 degrees before falling into the mid 50s as the storms move in.

The thunderstorms are expected before 8 p.m., followed by an 80 percent chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Patchy fog likely will settle over the area later in the night.

Rain and thunder should give way to a pleasant stretch of late-summer weather Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 75 degrees. The forecast for the rest of the week calls for more sun and temperatures in the upper 70s.