Environment Canada warns a low-pressure system which developed last night in the United States could bring severe weather to southern Manitoba today.

Meteorologist Terri Lang says showers and thundershower activity this afternoon will be followed by potentially severe weather activity this evening.

"Behind this band of thundershowers we're expecting more convection to develop in North Dakota and swing into southern Manitoba late this afternoon and into this evening," she explains.

Much of southern Manitoba, including the Portage la Prairie area, could see severe rains, large hail and strong winds. Lang says you should keep your eyes and ears open for Environment Canada watches and warnings. The current outlook for Portage calls for between 15-25mm of rain, with the potential of up to 50mm in thunderstorm activity.

"Normally the progression is if we think there is a possibility of severe weather we'll issue a watch. Which means to keep your head up, keep and eye on the sky and listen for warnings. If that severe weather does develop we issue warnings and that means the severe weather is imminent and it's time to take action. Take shelter, get things piled up and into your house and get yourself safe."