By American-Statesman staff | Monday, October 11, 2010, 09:25 AM

The Austin area could see some showers and thunderstorms beginning late this morning, with a chance for severe weather to the east in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

A storm system to the west is moving east about 20 mph and is expected to bring some rain to the Austin area beginning about 11 a.m., forecaster Joe Baskin said. If the system continues to move quickly, less than an inch of rain is expected in the Austin area, Baskin said.

The biggest threat for severe weather will come during the hottest hours of the afternoon, but by that time the system is expected to have cleared the Austin area and will be approaching Houston, Baskin said.

The chance for rain continues into the evening, but Tuesday morning is expected to be clear. A front is forecast to come through the area Tuesday afternoon that could bring a chance for showers, Baskin said.

The rest of the week is expected to be clear and mild, with highs in the mid-80s under sunny skies, according to the weather service.