What does a weather "watch" signify?

A weather "watch" signifies that hazardous weather conditions are possible but not guaranteed to occur. This alert system is designed to inform the public that there are potentially dangerous weather conditions on the horizon, allowing individuals and communities to prepare in advance. For instance, a tornado watch indicates that conditions are favorable for tornado development but does not mean that a tornado is currently happening; rather, it suggests that one could develop given the right atmospheric conditions.

In contrast, a weather "warning" would indicate that severe weather is imminent or occurring, meaning that there is a legitimate threat present at that moment. Therefore, understanding that a watch calls attention to potential hazards while a warning indicates active threats is crucial for public safety and preparedness.