UPDATE: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Kosciusko and surrounding counties. Thunderstorms, possibly severe with wind gusts up to 65 mph, are expected through the evening. It also reports hail may be a possibility.

The severe thunderstorm watch issued earlier today is still in effect until 9 p.m. this evening. NWS is also projecting a chance of showers for Saturday.

The National Weather Service is advising of the potential for severe thunderstorms this afternoon into this evening. A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Kosciusko, Allen, Elkhart, Marshall counties. The watch is in effect until 9 p.m. tonight.

According to the NWS, the greatest threat from these storms could be wind gusts in excess of 58 mph and hail up to 1 inch in diameter. The NWS does warn that there is a slight risk of a tornado occurring with these storms and reminds that all thunderstorms produce lightning.

Additionally, the heat index is expected to remain around 100 degrees this afternoon over northern Indiana and northwest Ohio. The combination of heat and humidity will cause a situation where heat illness is possible. A heat advisory is in place at this time and the NWS advises to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. The heat advisory is expected to remain in effect until 6 p.m.