Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent under severe thunderstorm watch that warns of 'large hail'

Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent are under a severe thunderstorm watch that includes the potential for "strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain," according to Environment Canada.

At 5:25 p.m. Thursday, the weather agency said in an alert that thunderstorms developing in Michigan are expected to move into southwestern Ontario this evening.

These storms could bring gusts up to 90 kilometres an hour and "nickel to toonie size hail," reads the alert.

Environment Canada warns that large hail can damage property and lead to injuries, while strong winds can throw loose objects around, damage buildings and break branches off of trees.

It says that water-related activities can also be unsafe "due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water."

People are advised to head indoors if threatening weather approaches.

This thunderstorm watch comes after a hot and humid day for southwestern Ontario. This muggy weather is expected to continue in the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach a high of 35 C next week.