Non-Precipitation Weather Definitions
- Outlook
- An outlook is used to indicate that a hazardous weather or hydrologic event may develop. It is intended to provide information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event.
- Watch
- A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.
- Warning/Advisory
- These products are issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence. A warning is used for conditions posing a
hazard to life or property. Advisories are for less serious conditions that cause significant inconvenience and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
- Advisory vs. Warning Criteria - North Central Texas
- Wind
- High Wind WARNING - Sustained wind speeds of 40 mph or greater lasting for 1 hour or longer, or winds of 58 mph or greater for any duration.
- Wind ADVISORY - Sustained wind speeds of 26 to 39 mph lasting for 1 hour.
Dust/Sand
- Dust (Sand) Storm WARNING - Visibility ¼ mile or less in dust raised by the wind.
- Blowing Dust (Sand) ADVISORY - Visibility between ¼ mile and six miles in dust raised by the wind.
Fog/Smoke
- Fog (Smoke) WARNING - None issued
- Dense Fog (Smoke) ADVISORY - Visibility ¼ mile or less in fog (smoke).
Heat
- Heat WARNING - None issued.
- Heat ADVISORY - Daytime heat index of 105+°F AND overnight minimum air temperature of 78+°F.
Frost/Freeze
- Freeze WARNING - Issued for the first freeze in the fall, for late freezes in the spring or for a freeze that is expected to occur after a prolonged warm spell.
- ADVISORY - None issued.
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