severe thunderstorm watch
Definition
An official alert issued by meteorological services when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms, including large hail, damaging winds, or tornadoes, within a specified area, though none have been reported yet.
A precautionary notice covering a large geographic region, urging residents to stay informed and prepare, as opposed to a 'warning' which indicates imminent or ongoing severe weather.
Examples
The severe thunderstorm watch prompted my neighbor to secure his trampoline before it became an accidental kite.
Under the severe thunderstorm watch, we turned our backyard barbecue into a sophisticated game of indoor charades.
With a severe thunderstorm watch looming, my cat started packing imaginary luggage for higher ground.
The severe thunderstorm watch transformed our lazy afternoon into a frantic quest for the best storm-snack pantry raid.