The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a hazardous weather outlook and severe thunderstorm watch for Lexington and surrounding communities as forecasts say severe thunderstorms could roll in later this afternoon or early this evening.

According to the NWS statement, the storms are likely to contain damaging winds, hail and torrential downpours.

Typically the risk of severe thunderstorms lessens around sunset, but that's not the case today, July 18, as the severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect through 9 p.m. tonight. "Strong storms will likely continue into the evening, with the main threat becoming flash flooding," the NWS statement says.

According to the Lexington-specific forecast, showers are likely and a thunderstorm possible, maily between 5 and 7 p.m.

The probably precipitation appears to be breaking the heat, as this afternoon's high is 91, while temps tonight will drop down to 64 and aren't expected to hit 90 again through the weekend.