A cold front sweeping through the state Saturday evening may bring much needed rain and strong storms to the area.

According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a slight risk of severe thunderstorms is in the forecast late this afternoon and evening throughout most of Central Iowa. The primary threat will be large hail and damaging winds.

The system will be fast moving, according to the forecast, so the heavy rain potential is limited. However, much-needed rain is expected to fall. After the front passes through, much cooler conditions will be in place for most of next week.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, Marion County has been downgraded for the second straight week, this time from severe drought to moderate drought conditions, except for western portions of the county, which remain under the severe category.

Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for the latest weather information.