NWS Hazardous Weather Terminology

Abstract

The hazardous weather terminology used by the National Weather Service has slowly evolved since the beginning of a U.S. weather service in the 1800s. Use of the terms watch and warning has proved to be the most controversial aspect of the present warning system. Very little research has been conducted to determine if the public understands hazardous weather terminology. However, public surveys to date seem to indicate that the general public at least understands the difference between watch and warning. More surveys of the public are needed in order to establish an optimum weather warning system.