Environment Canada is calling for a threat of severe weather this weekend in southern Manitoba.

A severe thunderstorm watch was issued Friday afternoon for areas including Steinbach. According to Environment Canada, conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

A low pressure trough pushing through southern Manitoba today combined with a warm and humid air mass has triggered thunderstorms. Some of these will likely be severe during the late afternoon and evening hours as they track eastward.

Severe thunderstorm watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, torrential rainfall.

Meanwhile, for the rest of the weekend, Environment Canada says there is also a risk of thunderstorms for Saturday afternoon and evening.