weeralarm

Weeralarm is a term used to describe weather warnings issued by meteorological authorities to alert the public and organizations to potentially dangerous weather conditions. The system is applied in Dutch-speaking regions, notably the Netherlands and parts of Belgium. Warnings are issued when forecast or occurring weather events—such as severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, snow, heat waves, or widespread frost—could pose risks to safety, transportation, or infrastructure.

Warnings are color-coded to indicate severity, with codes commonly including Geel (yellow), Oranje (orange), and Rood (red). Each level implies increasing risk and may trigger advisories for specific activities or groups, such as motorists, outdoor workers, or schools. The warnings are geographically targeted, covering affected regions and time windows, and are updated as forecasts evolve.

The official warnings are produced by national meteorological services and are disseminated through multiple channels, including official websites and mobile apps, public broadcasters, and sometimes SMS or push notifications from weather apps. Local authorities and emergency management agencies may use weeralarm messages to activate contingency plans.

While designed to aid risk awareness, weeralarm is inherently probabilistic and subject to forecast uncertainty. Users are encouraged to consult reliable sources and heed official guidance, recognizing that conditions can change rapidly.