Aviation weather thread

Razor44 · 10-01-2016 11:48pm

smurfjed wrote: »

This should help with the decoding.

Thanks for that smurfjed! Iv only ever had a ruff idea of them

Tenger · 11-01-2016 12:29am

Thanks for the informative posts. I hope ye dont mind but I deleted the why/is it needed? debate from page 1. Also I edited posts on page 1 by smurfjed and Negative_G to include their very helpful posts from page 2. I thought it better to have that info on the first page for reference.

smurfjed · 11-01-2016 7:16am

This is from a handy Ipad APP called Wx Charts from ProgAero. The chart is from FL240-630, so when they use XXX in these charts it signifies that the level of weather/icing/turbulence is below the chart bottom limit of FL240. It doesn't mean that it's below FL100.

The official blurb is this... Heights are indicated on SWH and SWM charts in flight levels (FL), top over base. When XXX is used, tops or bases are outside the layer of the atmosphere to which the chart applies.

smurfjed · 11-01-2016 7:21am

Carnacalla wrote: »

Ah but thats boring!

I get paid the same for boring days as exciting days, and there is a lot less paperwork involved with boring days

Gaoth Laidir · 11-01-2016 10:35am

At the moment, almost 8000 (49%) of the total delay minutes throughout the Eurocontrol network are due to weather (probably fog).

crosstownk · 11-01-2016 12:44pm

FWIW, there's a good app called Aero Weather that can help you learn the coded text. I've been using it for a while and I'm at the stage where I no longer need to use the decoded version. It's available for iPhone and I'd imagine it's also available on other platforms.

Here's a couple of screenshots:

Once you've selected the airports you want you can see a quick summary of all of them. They refresh when you pull down:

This is the weather info in raw format:

And when you tap the decoded button it shows the following:

So if you compare the raw and decoded you'll soon get an understanding of what the raw version means. Alternatively you could just be lazy and use the decoded version.......... but that wouldn't be in the spirit of A&A :pac:

smurfjed · 11-01-2016 1:37pm

Aeroweather is great, but have you dug into the meanings of codes like TEMPO?

Gaoth Laidir · 11-01-2016 1:41pm

I use the Metam app for Android, which is very similar and also has notams, SigWX, winds, satellite, etc.

JCX BXC · 11-01-2016 1:49pm

Gaoth Laidir wrote: »

At the moment, almost 8000 (49%) of the total delay minutes throughout the Eurocontrol network are due to weather (probably fog).

Can't assume that, ever! Usually Europe widespread fog is something we hear well about, and there's very little fog around in Europe in actual fact. Most of Poland has low vis (Mostly workable), and NCL in the UK has, but that's caused 1 diversion.

crosstownk · 11-01-2016 1:56pm

smurfjed wrote: »

Aeroweather is great, but have you dug into the meanings of codes like TEMPO?

As someone with just an interest rather than a career in aviation, I don't think I can say that I've 'dug' into any of it. I've probably just scratched the surface but I'd have a basic grasp of TEMPO, BECMG and few others. I often come across codes that I've seen before but need to look up as I forget some of those that appear infrequently but Google usually points me in the right direction if the decoded app data doesn't satisfy my curiosity.

I also use the app for up to date weather conditions like wind direction and speed for my own outdoor purposes.

Gaoth Laidir · 11-01-2016 2:01pm

Carnacalla wrote: »

Can't assume that, ever! Usually Europe widespread fog is something we hear well about, and there's very little fog around in Europe in actual fact. Most of Poland has low vis (Mostly workable), and NCL in the UK has, but that's caused 1 diversion.

Many airports in Germany, Baltic states and SE Europe had fog when I reported that earlier but I think de-icing was probably a large contributor to delays.

smurfjed · 11-01-2016 8:16pm

You might also like this one, look how complicated a simple term like TEMPO becomes...

Gaoth Laidir · 11-01-2016 8:39pm

Yes, the US format is very different but I prefer it as it gives a lot more information, such as actual temp/dewpoint, start and end times of precipitation, time of peak gust, lightning, cloud-types, etc.

crosstownk · 11-01-2016 10:14pm

smurfjed wrote: »

You might also like this one, look how complicated a simple term like TEMPO becomes...

Maybe I have this wrong but TEMPO in itself is simple enough - something temporary that doesn't warrant inclusion in a more broad forecast. It's what follows the TEMPO that needs proper deciphering so awareness of the temporary conditions is understood. For example, there might be a temporary forecast of SHRA for an hour or two possibly accompanied by 21025KT G45 and further to that there may also be a probability estimate - PROB40 for 40%. All the while, the main forecast over (lets say) an 8 hour period might be 26015KT 9999 FEW015 SCT023. Can I assume that because the TEMPO is noted that the main forecast would no longer use NOSIG?

Have I missed something? I feel a school day in the making............

Gaoth Laidir · 12-01-2016 12:12am

crosstownk wrote: »

Maybe I have this wrong but TEMPO in itself is simple enough - something temporary that doesn't warrant inclusion in a more broad forecast. It's what follows the TEMPO that needs proper deciphering so awareness of the temporary conditions is understood. For example, there might be a temporary forecast of SHRA for an hour or two possibly accompanied by 21025KT G45 and further to that there may also be a probability estimate - PROB40 for 40%. All the while, the main forecast over (lets say) an 8 hour period might be 26015KT 9999 FEW015 SCT023. Can I assume that because the TEMPO is noted that the main forecast would no longer use NOSIG?

Have I missed something? I feel a school day in the making............

No Sig comes at the end of a METAR (not in a TAF) and is included when no significant change in weather is expected in the 2 hours following the time of the METAR.

TEMPO in a TAF means occurring for less than half of the period specified after it, so, as you say, something like showers with conditions temporarily notably different than the general forecast for that period. Conditions are expected to revert back to those forecast unless a permanent change is expected, in which case BECMG is used.

PROB40 means there is a good chance but still not warranted in the main forecast. PROB30 means a remote chance worth mentioning but probability is low. Remember, a TAF only applies to within 10 miles of the airport.

smurfjed · 12-01-2016 9:52am

TEMPO in a TAF means occurring for less than half of the period specified after it

Don't forget that its for periods less than an hour and not more that half of the Tempo forecast time, if its more than this it will be a BECMG.

PROB30/40, if its more than PROB 40, it must change to BECMG or TEMPO.

Gaoth Laidir · 12-01-2016 10:21am

Sigmet out for severe turbulence from the surface to FL060 this morning. Standard enough.

Growler!!! · 12-01-2016 1:41pm

Anyone have a decent easy to follow guide on Snowtam (Sneactham as gaeilge) decoding? Looks like we'll need it soon.

Gaoth Laidir · 12-01-2016 1:54pm

Growler!!! wrote: »

Anyone have a decent easy to follow guide on Snowtam (Sneactham as gaeilge) decoding? Looks like we'll need it soon.

I find this one very helpful.

The Metam app decodes them and runway conditions too.

ProfessorPlum · 12-01-2016 3:14pm

Growler!!! wrote: »

Anyone have a decent easy to follow guide on Snowtam (Sneactham as gaeilge) decoding? Looks like we'll need it soon.

I use an app called 'Airports' on my phone. http://airportsapp.info

It also has a runway state decoder, as well as lots of other handy tools, as well as an airport database.

smurfjed · 12-01-2016 3:27pm

There is also an IOS APP called SNOWTAM.

Growler!!! · 13-01-2016 5:47pm

Found these after a search last night.

Handy printouts for you flight bag. Metar and Notam decoder.

http://www.b737mrg.net/downloads/b737mrg_snowtammetar.pdf

http://www.b737mrg.net/downloads/b737mrg_snowtam.pdf

Gaoth Laidir · 13-01-2016 5:51pm

Interesting study into aircraft icing.

http://phys.org/news/2016-01-ice-formation-aircrafts-flight.html

Gaoth Laidir · 14-01-2016 11:55am

Quite a bit of snow causing delays at Geneva this morning. The runway was closed earlier as they cleared it.

METAR LSGG 141020Z VRB02KT 3200 -SN FEW005 SCT007 BKN030 M00/M02 Q1013 RESN R05/5902 BECMG 6000=
METAR LSGG 140950Z VRB02KT 2300 SN FEW003 SCT008 OVC030 M00/M02 Q1013 R05/5902 BECMG 3000=
METAR LSGG 140920Z VRB01KT 2300 SN FEW003 OVC030 M01/M02 Q1013 R05/5910 BECMG 3000=
METAR LSGG 140850Z 00000KT 1200 R05/1200N R23/1300N SN FEW005 OVC010 M01/M02 Q1013 R05/5902// BECMG 3000 BKN030=
METAR LSGG 140820Z VRB01KT 0900 R05/1400N R23/1400N SN SCT005 OVC009 M01/M02 Q1013 R05/5902// TEMPO 2000=
METAR LSGG 140750Z 31001KT 1500 SN OVC020 M00/M03 Q1014 BECMG 0800 OVC010=

SNOWTAM 0003
A) LSGG
01140918 C) 05 E) 48 F) 5/5/5 G) 2/2/2 N) 5
R) 5
T) RWY CONTAMINATION 100 PERCENT.
RWY DEICED.
TWY B, C AND F CLOSED.
NORTH APRON COVERED WITH WET SNOW.
HELIPAD CLOSED.
TAXI WITH CAUTION.

Gaoth Laidir · 14-01-2016 5:25pm

Snow is being reported at Knock, Mullingar and Ballyhaise. Visibilities are 7000, 1700 and 800 m, respectively.

The area of precipitation affecting Mullingar and Ballyhaise is heading towards Dublin so we may see some deterioration later. I think the PROB30 in the DUB and BAL TAFs will be upgraded at 17Z.

Ballyhaise PsMETAR BYHE 141600Z AUTO 28003KT 0800NDV SN VV003 00/M01 1016 MSL=

Mullingar PsMETAR MULL 141600Z AUTO 27006KT 1700NDV -SHSN SCT004/// BKN021/// BKN160/// 01/M00 1017 MSL

Gaoth Laidir · 14-01-2016 5:41pm

Snow warning for Knock up to 21Z.

EIKN AD WRNG 02 VALID 141300/142100 SNOW MOD 1 TO 3CM 141300=

JCX BXC · 14-01-2016 7:15pm

Nothing at all into Knock though. Last arrival was before midday. Next arrival is 9:35am in the morning.

Gaoth Laidir · 15-01-2016 8:36am

Knock's SYNOP report at 06Z reported 2 cm of lying snow but that's down to 1 cm at 07Z.

Snowing at Aldergrove with 2 cm of lying snow.

Londonderry Eglington runway seems to be closed due to snow-clearance.

METAR:
EGAE 150720Z 23009KT 9999 FEW017 SCT035 03/01 Q1022 R26///99// R08///99//

Gaoth Laidir · 15-01-2016 8:48am

Ex-hurricane Alex (the earliest...or latest??!!) Atlantic hurricane to form for many decades will affect the Azores today. It is no longer a tropical system but it's winds will remain hurricane force for a while.

Santa Maria and Ponta Delgada both expect g up to 52G65kt this morning.

TAF LPPD 150500Z 1506/1606 10030G40KT 5000 RA BR SCT005 BKN010
TEMPO 1506/1514 11045G60KT 1500 +RA BKN004 SCT016CB
PROB30 TEMPO 1506/1514 11052G65KT 1000 +TSRA BKN016CB
BECMG 1514/1516 18030G40KT
BECMG 1516/1519 21022KT 8000 NSW SCT008 BKN015
PROB40 TEMPO 1516/1522 21028G38KT 3000 RADZ BR SCT004 BKN008
BECMG 1600/1602 21012KT 9999 SCT008 SCT018 FEW022TCU

Gaoth Laidir · 15-01-2016 10:36am

The Azores and Alex

Aviation weather thread

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