A Fire
Weather Watch is used to alert agencies to the high potential
for development of a Red Flag event in the 24-72 hour time frame. (A watch
my be issued in the first 12 hours time period only for an expected dry
thunderstorm event.)
A Red Flag Warning is
used to inform agencies of the imminent or actual occurrence of Red Flag
conditions. This warning will be issued immediately when there is high
confidence that Red Flag criteria will be met within the next 24 hours...or
if those criteria are already being met.
National Weather Service Mission: "The
National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather,
hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for
the United States, its territories, adjacent waters
and ocean areas, for the protection of life and
property and the enhancement of the national economy.
NWS data and products form a national information
database and infrastructure which can be used by
other governmental agencies, the private sector,
the public, and the global community."
www.weather.gov 
