What factors differentiate an inconvenient weather situation from a hazardous one?

The differentiation between an inconvenient weather situation and a hazardous one primarily hinges on event type, severity, and community vulnerability.

An inconvenient weather situation might involve less severe conditions, such as light rain or moderate temperatures, which can lead to discomfort or minor disruptions but typically do not pose significant threats to health or safety. In contrast, a hazardous weather situation involves more severe events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or extreme heat, which can lead to serious consequences including injury, property damage, or loss of life.

Community vulnerability is also a crucial factor. Even a relatively mild weather event can become hazardous if it occurs in a community that is poorly equipped to handle its effects, perhaps due to a lack of infrastructure or resources. High vulnerability can elevate the level of risk significantly, making it necessary to consider the local context when classifying a weather situation as hazardous.

The other factors listed, such as temperature and duration, population density and time of year, or local preparedness and response capabilities, could contribute to understanding the impacts of weather events but do not encapsulate the core distinctions between inconvenient and hazardous situations as effectively as event type, severity, and community vulnerability do.