Environment Canada says parts of southern Quebec may see severe thunderstorms Saturday.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for areas as far west as Wakefield, as far east as Riviere du Loup, the Charlevoix region and south until the U.S. border, including the Montreal area.

As of 6:30 p.m., only parts of the Eastern Townships, the Drummondville area, the Richelieu Valley are under a severe thunderstorm warning, which indicates severe weather is more likely to occur or presently occurring.

The weather agency says a “vigorous” cold front will sweep across southwestern and Central Quebec Saturday, and the air mass ahead of the front will be warm and humid. Put together, those conditions could produce severe storms with strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

The front is expected to pass from west to east starting Saturday afternoon.

Environment Canada says severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes and warns all living in the affected areas to be prepared for severe weather and take cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.