The National Weather Service in Pontiac has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for southern lower Michigan, including Oakland County, until midnight tonight. According to the weather service, numerous thunderstorms are expected to roll through the area this afternoon and evening.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for a severe thunderstorm, and residents should be alert to current weather conditions.

Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing up to 70 m.p.h. wind gusts, torrential rain, hail up to an inch in diameter, an isolated tornado and localized flooding, according to the weather service.

A heat advisory is also in effect until 8 p.m. According to Weather Underground, which tracks local weather data, the temperature in Rochester at 5 p.m. was 97.5 degrees.

Those who are prone to heat stress may be in danger, and all residents are encouraged to avoid strenuous activity outdoors that may lead to heat injuries like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Residents are also encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.

• For information on hot-weather pet safety, click here.
• To learn the signs of heat-related illnesses, click here.
• For hot-weather safety tips, click here.