What does the phrase "had better" imply about a recommendation?

The phrase "had better" conveys a strong suggestion or recommendation about what someone should do in a particular situation, emphasizing the potential negative consequences of not following that advice. This expression indicates that there is a sense of urgency or importance to the recommendation, suggesting that if the action is not taken, something undesirable may happen. This context makes the recommendation feel more pressing than simply stating it is optional. Therefore, when someone says "You had better check the weather before you leave," they are strongly advising that checking the weather is important to avoid possible trouble, such as getting caught in a storm.