Weather watch, weather warning

  • Published
  • By Phil Harvey and Brian Siciliano
  • 412th Operations Squadron
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The start of summer means the beginning of thunderstorm season.

During summer, the wind flow in southern California can shift to a southeast to southerly directional flow. The flow brings tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of California into Southern California. The tropical moisture combined with the intense desert heat plus mountainous terrain, aid in producing afternoon and evening scattered thunderstorm activity throughout the Antelope Valley.

With thunderstorm activity in the forecast, the 412th Operation Support Squadron Weather Flight will issue weather watches and warnings for Edwards. 

A Weather Watch is a special notice provided to supported agencies that alert them of potential for hazardous weather conditions of such intensity as to pose a hazard to life or property. There are three weather watches that can be issued for Edwards concerning thunderstorms and lightning. The three are potential for thunderstorms and lightning within 25 Nautical Miles of the Air Force Research Lab, within 20 Nautical Miles of the Edwards Air Traffic Control tower and within 5 Nautical Miles of AFRL and the Edwards Air Traffic Control Tower. 

A Weather Warning on the other hand, is issued when a hazardous weather is occurring, imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property. There are four weather warnings that can be issued for Edwards concerning thunderstorms and lightning. The four warnings are thunderstorms and lighting within 25 NM of AFRL, 20 NM of Edwards, 10 NM of AFRL and 5 NM of AFRL and Edwards.

 If there is thunderstorm activity occurring near Edwards and AFRL, you better "watch" out for the potential of hail, lightning and strong surface winds. If there is thunderstorm activity occurring at Edwards and AFRL, you should have already been "warned" of imminent danger with these storms. 

Flash floods are the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, followed by lightning as the number two cause of weather-related deaths. On average, 66 people are killed by lightning every year with well over 100 seriously injured. 

Keep the following in mind this summer to stay safe from the elements.
  • Plan outdoor activities to avoid thunderstorms. Know the latest weather forecast.
  • If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, go inside! Stay inside 30 minutes or more after the last thunder is heard. 
  •  Large, fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing provide good lightning protection. Vehicles with solid metals roofs and solid metal sides give some protection.
  • Don't use corded telephones. Keep away from electrical appliances and wiring. Stay away from plumbing - don't take a bath or shower.
  • Avoid elevated places and open areas (golf courses, sports fields and beaches), water (swimming, boating and fishing) and tall objects. Do not take shelter under trees! Allow time to get to safety. Do not use open structures (picnic pavilions and rain shelters). In low lying natural drainage areas, be on the lookout for flash floods. 
  • If someone is struck by lightning, start CPR or rescue breathing immediately. Have someone call 9-1-1.
The thunderstorm season for Edwards' can start as early as May. It peaks in August and usually ends in October. As with all thunderstorms and lightning, people should take appropriate safety precautions and should be prepared for this type of weather during the summer months. 

A final factor to consider during the summer is heat stress. High temperatures alone can cause heat stress but the addition of moisture when thunderstorms are expected further increases the likelihood for occurrence. Heat stress is monitored and advisories are issued by the Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight.

More information on lightning safety is available on the web at
www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/