Meterological knowledge

UK FIR meteorological data provider

MET office

Turbulence

unstable/extreme winds causing difficulty with control & levels

Icing

Severe icing leads to inability to maintain height & engine failure

Thunderstorm

Requires route around cells

Windshear

Sudden change in wind speed/direction horizontally/vertically. Sudden loss in airspeed or reduction in climb rate

Squalls

Sudden sharp wind increase. Sometimes w/ rain/snow/storms.

Micro/macro burst

Downburst of localised column of sinking air from TS that hits ground and spreads in straight winds. Hazardous at lower levels & take off/landing

Hail

Damage to leading edges, reduce wind efficiency & shatter windscreens etc.

Volcanic ash

Various issues - e.g. damage to engines

Effect on Aerodromes

low visibility procedures = reduced capacity = reduced parking due to early diversion/no outgoing flights

Effect on Approach

Holding for longer = many go rounds & increasing queue

Effect on Area

Weather avoidance increases complexity = sectors split = delays & en route holdings

Effect on airlines

delays/diversions impact crew = out of hours/position. Financial impact of cancellations & fuel costs etc.

Effect on airports

Impact passengers nos, closures impact revenue, lead to overcrowding

METAR role

Routine weather reports. Half hourly/hourly reports at aerodromes. Traditionally 20 past & 10 to.

TAF role

Indication of aerodrome forecast. Prevailing conditions over 9/24/30 hours. Amendments when necessary.

9 hour TAFs update

Every 3 hours

12 hour + TAFs update

Every 6 hours

Towering cumulus cloud

Tall, vertical, instable w/ rain showers

Cumulonimbus cloud

Vertical, towering storm clouds. Heavy rain/lightening.

SPECI role

Issued when significant change occurred/expected in similar format to METAR/TAF

Weather warning

When routine weather may cause hazards/problems for aircraft