Conditions on this page are recalculated from the latest forecast every time it is opened, for the current date in the location's own time zone.
A weather watch means conditions are favorable for a hazardous weather event to develop. A warning means the event is imminent or already occurring. Think of a watch as "be prepared" and a warning as "take action now." Watches cover larger areas and longer time frames, while warnings are more specific and urgent. A weather advisory indicates weather conditions that may cause inconvenience or difficulty but are not life-threatening if precautions are taken. Examples include dense fog advisories, wind advisories, or frost advisories. They fall below the severity of watches and warnings. A tornado watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form in the watch area, typically covering a large region for several hours. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar in a specific area — take shelter immediately. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone for automatic notifications. You can also use the NOAA Weather Radio, weather apps with push notifications, or subscribe to local emergency management alerts. Multiple alert sources provide redundancy for critical warnings. In the United States, official weather alerts (watches, warnings, and advisories) are issued exclusively by the National Weather Service (NWS). Private weather companies may issue their own proprietary alerts, but these are not official NWS products and may differ in criteria and timing. Understand the critical differences between weather advisories, watches, and warnings. Learn what each alert type means, how to respond, and how to stay safe during severe weather. A WATCH means watch the sky. A WARNING means take action — the danger is here. See conditions scored and explained — so you can plan with confidence, not anxiety. When severe weather approaches, the difference between "watch" and "warning" is not just semantics — it determines whether you prepare or take immediate shelter. This guide breaks down every alert type so you know exactly what to do. The National Weather Service (NWS) uses a tiered alert system designed to communicate escalating threat levels. Each tier triggers different preparedness actions. Understanding these tiers before severe weather arrives can save critical decision-making time. An advisory is the lowest tier of NWS alerts. It signals weather conditions that are not life-threatening but could create hazards for travelers, outdoor workers, or anyone not taking basic precautions. Advisories are a nudge to modify behavior, not an alarm to seek shelter. Sustained winds of 30–39 mph or gusts of 46–57 mph expected. Secure loose objects, use caution while driving high-profile vehicles. Visibility reduced to 1/4 mile or less. Slow down, use low-beam headlights, allow extra travel time. Minimum temperatures expected between 33–36°F (1–2°C). Cover sensitive plants, protect outdoor plumbing. Heat index expected to reach 100–104°F (38–40°C) for at least 2 hours. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor exertion. Light snow (2–4 inches), sleet, or freezing rain expected. Allow extra travel time, prepare for slippery roads. A watch means the atmospheric ingredients are in place for a significant weather event to develop. The event has not started yet, but conditions are ripe. Watches typically cover large geographic areas (often hundreds of miles) and extended time periods (6–12 hours or more). The purpose of a watch is to give you lead time. Review your emergency plans, charge devices, gather supplies, and identify shelter locations. Do not wait for a warning to prepare. Conditions favor tornado development. Know where your shelter is, stay alert to updates. Conditions favor storms with 58+ mph winds or 1-inch hail. Secure outdoor items, plan to move indoors. Conditions may lead to flash flooding. Avoid flood-prone areas, do not camp near streams. Significant snow, ice, or blizzard conditions possible within 24–48 hours. Stock supplies, prepare for travel disruption. Watch vs. Warning Memory Aid: "A WATCH means watch the sky. A WARNING means take action — the danger is here.". A warning is the highest alert tier and demands immediate response. It means a hazardous weather event is imminent, already occurring, or highly likely based on radar data. Warnings cover specific areas and are time-sensitive — delay can be life-threatening. A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor immediately. Average lead time: 13 minutes.
Scores are capped by dealbreakers — heavy rain, dangerous wind, thick fog or hazardous UV pull a day down no matter how pleasant the rest of the numbers look. Forecast data is Open-Meteo; solar and lunar values are computed for Weather Alerts Guide's own coordinates and time zone. Full details on the methodology page.