Forecasts and Warnings
Forecasts and warnings are central to aviation safety, air navigation capacity and efficiency, and environmental protection. While observations describe what is happening now, forecasts provide the forward‑looking insight that allows aviation stakeholders to anticipate weather impacts before they occur. In an industry where timing, precision, and risk management are critical, high‑quality forecasting is indispensable.
Take-off forecasts, terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs), area forecasts and en‑route products such as significant weather (SIGWX) upper-air charts give flight crew, airline dispatchers and air traffic services a detailed picture of expected (forecast) conditions along the entire flight profile. These forecasts support decisions on payload planning, including fuel load, alternate aerodromes, routing and crew scheduling. Accurate predictions of wind, visibility, cloud, and significant weather help minimize delays, reduce operational costs, and maintain safety margins.
Equally vital are aviation‑specific warnings and advisories. Products such as SIGMETs, AIRMETs, and advisories for volcanic ash, tropical cyclones, turbulence, icing and convection alert operators to hazards that can affect aircraft performance and passenger safety. These warnings enable timely rerouting, altitude adjustments or operational restrictions (safety margins), ensuring that risks are mitigated before they impact a flight.
Forecasts and warnings also play a strategic role at airports, supporting decisions on runway operations (including runways and taxiways in use), de‑icing, low‑visibility procedures and ground handling. By anticipating disruptive weather, airports can allocate resources more effectively and maintain continuity of service.
Forecasting and warning frameworks underpin every operational recommendation. By combining expert analysis with the latest meteorological guidance, clients receive clear, actionable insight that enhances safety, reduces uncertainty, and supports confident decision‑making across all phases of flight.
