Crossword Genius

Observe what water is when warm (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

notice

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'observe' is the definition.
(I know that notice is a more specific form of observe)

'water is when warm' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'water' could be 'ice' (ice water is a kind of water) and 'ice' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'not' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'what' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for notice that I've seen before include "Mark" , "Observe - written announcement" , "This is usually given before quitting job" , "'Perceive, observe (6)'" , "Advance information" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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