There is a big difference between weather watches and weather warnings. A weather watch means that conditions are favorable for an event to happen, while a weather warning means that an event is happening or will happen soon. It’s important to know the difference so you can be prepared for whatever might come your way.
What is Weather Watch?
Weather Watch is a National Weather Service (NWS) program that encourages public involvement in weather spotting and reporting. Weather Watch volunteers help to provide critical ground truth information during severe weather events, and their reports are used to help improve the accuracy of NWS warnings and forecasts. Weather Watch volunteers come from all walks of life, and anyone can participate. There is no minimum commitment, and participants can choose when and where they would like to be involved. Weather Watch training is free, and all materials are provided by the NWS. For more information, please visit the Weather Watch website or contact your local NWS office.
What is Weather Warning?
Weather warnings are issued by governmental weather agencies to alert the public about severe or hazardous weather conditions that are expected to occur in the near future. Warnings are typically issued for conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, blizzards, and hurricanes. Weather warnings help people to take steps to protect themselves and their property from the effects of severe weather. In some cases, warnings may also be issued for less severe conditions, such as frost or heat waves. By informing the public about impending weather conditions, weather warnings help to keep people safe and minimize the potential for damage.
Difference between Weather Watch and Weather Warning
Weather Watch is defined as a weather event that has the potential to cause public disruption and/or emergency management response. A Weather Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. It allows emergency services and the public to take appropriate actions to minimize the potential for damage or harm. A Weather Warning is defined as a weather event that is occurring or is imminent, and which has the potential to cause significant public disruption and/or emergency management response. A Weather Warning is issued when Severe Weather is imminent or occurring. It allows emergency services and the public to take appropriate actions to protect life and property. Weather Watches and Warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for a range of severe weather events including Tropical Cyclone, Storm, Flood, Snowstorm, Heatwave, and Bushfire. The type of Weather Watch or Warning will be specific to the severe weather event that is occurring or forecast. For example, a Tropical Cyclone Weather Warning would be issued for a tropical cyclone that was forecast to cross the coast, whereas a Heatwave Weather Watch would be issued days in advance of a heatwave.
Conclusion
Weather watches and weather warnings are both important for keeping people safe, but they have different purposes. A weather watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a hazardous event to occur, while a weather warning is issued when the hazardous event is already occurring or will occur soon. It’s important to understand the difference between the two so that you can take appropriate safety precautions.
