What does a thunderstorm watch signify?

A thunderstorm watch signifies that conditions are favorable for thunderstorms to develop in a specified area. This means that atmospheric conditions such as moisture, instability, and lift are present but do not guarantee that thunderstorms will occur. When a watch is issued, it serves as a notification to the public and meteorological services that they should be vigilant and prepared for the possibility of thunderstorms developing.

This is different from a warning, which indicates that a thunderstorm has been sighted or detected by radar. Therefore, it is essential to understand the distinction between a watch (potential) and a warning (actual occurrence). The other choices reflect situations where thunderstorms are either already present or confirmed, but a watch specifically denotes the potential for storms to form under the right atmospheric conditions.