# Watch. Advisory. Warning.

Three side-by-side weather-term cards comparing uncertain possible hazards, less serious but potentially dangerous advisory conditions, and threats requiring protective action.

AI / UNTANGLED

04 / 10

/comparisoncards

Watch. Advisory. Warning.

Three weather terms that do different jobs

?

WATCH

Possible hazard

Occurrence, location or timing

is still uncertain.

Prepare a plan; monitor

updates.

!

ADVISORY

Hazard occurring or likely

Less serious than a warning,

but can still threaten safety.

Use caution; follow the alert.

!

WARNING

Threat to life or property

Hazard occurring, imminent or

likely.

Take protective action as

directed.

These are not a guaranteed sequence. Follow the instructions in the current alert for your location and

hazard.

General definitions, not a live forecast or hazard-specific threshold chart.

Source: NOAA National Weather Service | Retrieved October 31, 2026

https://www.weather.gov/sjt/WatchWarningAdvisoryExplained

Original AI Untangled educational visual • Source-based example • Not an official agency graphic

[Official source](https://www.weather.gov/sjt/WatchWarningAdvisoryExplained)