What is the Difference Between a Weather Watch and a Weather Warning?
The basic difference between a weather watch and a weather warning is the immediacy of weather conditions. A weather watch is issued to alert people in a certain region, in advance, that conditions are ripe for dangerous weather. When certain meteorological circumstances are present, severe weather can develop quickly, and watches are issued to prepare people for this possibility so they can take appropriate safety measures. A weather watch can include any type of severe weather, including winter storm and wildfire conditions, but most frequently involve severe thunderstorms, floods and flash floods, or tornados.
