The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 11:00 p.m. Friday for Cheyenne, Kiowa and Kit Carson counties in southeast Colorado.

Watches are also in effect for El Paso, Elbert, Lincoln and Douglas counties until 8:00 p.m.

In Kiowa County, wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour are expected Friday evening as a cold front drops across the area. Temperatures approached 90 Friday afternoon, but are only expected to reach the low 70s Saturday and Sunday.

A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms which may produce lightning, hail and heavy rains that could cause flash flooding. Tornadoes may also be possible.