Final answer:
SPC watches can last for varying durations with outlooks provided a week ahead, cover different areas depending on the event, and local NWS offices use SPC data for localized warnings. Resources like the National Space Weather Prediction Center provide information and alerts on space weather.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing SPC watches, there are several important questions you can ask:
- How long do they last? - SPC, or Space Weather Prediction Center, watches typically provide outlooks a week ahead, with bulletins issued for events of public interest, and warnings/alerts for imminent or ongoing events.
- How large of an area do they cover? - SPC watches may cover varying regions of space and can affect different geographic areas on Earth depending on the nature of the space weather event.
- What role do local National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices play in severe weather watch? - Local NWS offices may use information from the SPC to prepare and issue regional warnings and alerts related to space weather's impact on local areas.
To learn more about space weather, you can turn to resources such as the National Space Weather Prediction Center or the official NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center Information Pages for detailed information, primers, videos, and training materials.