A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Erie and Sandusky counties in the US state of Ohio as forecasters warn of strong winds, heavy rain and possible hail later Tuesday evening.

The watch remains in effect until 7:00 PM after unusually hot and humid weather pushed temperatures close to record levels across the region.

According to local weather officials, Cleveland tied its record high temperature of 88 degrees on Tuesday, while humidity levels made conditions feel closer to the 90s.

Forecasters said scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during the evening, with the strongest storms likely between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

Meteorologists warned that some storms could bring gusty winds, brief heavy downpours and small hail. Warm and breezy conditions are expected to continue overnight, with temperatures remaining in the 60s.

Rain showers are forecast to continue into Wednesday morning before gradually easing later in the day.

However, cloudy skies and strong winds are expected to remain, with gusts potentially reaching 35 mph behind a cold front moving through the area.

Temperatures are expected to fall sharply on Wednesday, dropping from around 60 degrees in the morning to the mid-50s by late afternoon.