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The Difference Between an Excessive Heat Watch, Excessive Heat Warning, and Heat Advisory

| July 2, 2018 @ 2:30 pm

(Credit: NOAA National Weather Service)

There are several types of heat watches, warnings, and advisories that can be issued to the public. It can be confusing if one does not know the difference between them and with the latest ongoing round of simmering summer temperatures it is that much more important to be aware of the differences.

According to The National Weather Service (NWS), a weather-related warning means that said weather conditions are already occuring within 12 to 24 hours and to take proper protective measures. A weather-related watch means that there is a chance for such weather conditions to occur over some specified period. An advisory indicates that said weather has a likely chance of occurring but is often issued for situations characterized by weather situations likely to have less of an impact than those found in association with weather warnings.

The NWS has a page that lists and defines all types of watches, warnings, and advisories. More specifically, the NWS has defined an excessive heat watch, an excessive heat warning, and a heat advisory so that the public can be aware of how to take necessary and appropriate precautions.

Here are the differences between the three aforementioned heat-related weather advisories as defined by the NWS. An excessive heat watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. An excessive heat watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. An excessive heat warning is issued when there is potential for the heat index to reach and exceed 105 degrees F for two days and does not drop below 72 degrees F during the night. It may be issued for lower criteria if it is early in the season or during a multi-day heat wave. Lastly, a heat advisory is issued when the heat index value is expected to reach a maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100 degrees F or higher for at least 2 days, and night-time air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees F within the next 12 to 24 hours.

It is important to pay attention to weather forecasts and be able to determine how to prepare for a heat-related weather event, especially in the summer.

Credit: NOAA National Weather Service

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© 2018 Weather Forecaster Brittany Connelly

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