What a Severe Weather Outlook Means

news image
Special Stories
26 Mar 2018 6:10 PM
As we embark upon the height of severe weather season, you might notice meteorologists talking about severe weather outlooks. But often times it can be confusing. To help you better understand severe-weather threats this season, here is a quick refresher on the 6-part scale the Storm Prediction Center uses to denote the probability of severe weather in a given area. Before we begin, let's clarify what qualifies as a severe thunderstorm. Severe Thunderstorm Criteria General Thunderstorms Marginal Risk (1) Slight Risk (2) Enhanced Risk (3) Moderate Risk (4) High Risk (5) What it Looks Like So next time you find yourself face to face with a map like this: Remember, each different color means something very different. And with severe weather in the forecast you should have a plan in place so you and your family can stay safe in the threat of danger. https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather The link above is a great resource to help you stay ahead of the storm this severe weather season. For WeatherNation — Meteorologist Jeremy LaGoo  
All Weather News
More
Active Stretch Ahead for the Upper Midwest

Active Stretch Ahead for the Upper Midwest

Several cold fronts are poised to move across

11 Sep 2026 2:23 AM
Tropics: Power Restoration Underway in Kauai, Norbert Forms to the East

Tropics: Power Restoration Underway in Kauai, Norbert Forms to the East

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

11 Sep 2026 1:30 AM
Low Pressure Keeps the East Stormy into the Weekend

Low Pressure Keeps the East Stormy into the Weekend

Storms will continue to track through the Eas

11 Sep 2026 1:00 AM
NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

If it felt like this summer was relentless an

11 Sep 2026 1:00 AM
High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

Temperatures not only broke records on Wednes

10 Sep 2026 11:10 AM
Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

The plains have had an active summer. Severe

10 Sep 2026 10:15 AM
Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much of the South & Plains

Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much of the South & Plains

A relentless ridge of high pressure has been

10 Sep 2026 10:00 AM