Butler County is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. as a cold front moves through the area from the northwest.

Butler County is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m.

Pittsburgh’s National Weather Service office declared the watch at 12:35 p.m. A cold front moving through the area from the northwest is bringing along with it scattered thunderstorms, strong wind and possible hail, according to meteorologist Lee Hendricks.

“Much of the tri-state area is included in the watch,” Hendricks said.

Winds reaching speeds up to 50 mph can be expected, Hendricks said, and some hail is possible.

While the affected area is wide, not every location included in the watch will be hit.

Those who experience poor weather shouldn’t struggle for long. The storms are fast-moving, Hendricks said, so relief should come quickly.

The prime time for storms is between 3 and 5 p.m., due to heating during the day.

Some areas might see more rain and some might see less, but the average expected precipitation for the county is up to a half-inch.

Hendricks noted that the area hasn’t seen much rain lately and could likely use the water.

Nationally, this the NWS’s 562nd severe thunderstorm watch issued this year.

Despite poor weather Thursday, the weekend forecast looked sunny and pleasant with highs in the mid-to-high 70s.

“It’s going to be a great weekend,” Hendricks said.