Definition
A message issued by the National Weather Service's Aviation Weather Center to alert pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic personnel that a Severe Weather Watch Bulletin (WW) has been issued for an area where severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are expected to develop. The SAW identifies the area, time period, and type of severe weather anticipated, and it serves as the aviation community's notice that a watch is now active.
Plain English
A heads-up to pilots that severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are likely in a specific area during a specific time window. It tells you where the bad weather is expected, when it's expected, and what type to expect.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation weather briefings, weather planning tools, and weather displays when severe thunderstorm or tornado watches are active.
Derivation
The name was previously 'Severe Weather Forecast Alert' and used the identifier SAW from that older title. The product was renamed to 'Aviation Watch Notification Message' but kept the original SAW identifier for continuity in weather distribution systems.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots advance notice to adjust routes, delay departures, or obtain updated information before encountering hazardous conditions.
Grounding Statement
A SAW means serious storm weather is possible in a named area during a named time window.
Intuition Check
Do not read “watch” as “the storm is definitely happening at your airplane.” In this weather use, a watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes in the area.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the briefer mentioned a SAW had been issued for the route, indicating tornadoes were possible across central Oklahoma that afternoon.
Example Sentence 2
Prior to takeoff the pilot checked for any active SAW notifications covering the destination area.