Weather is a significant factor in air travel disruptions in the United States, accounting for 75% of all reported delays, as stated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Not all weather conditions affect flights equally, with certain types posing a higher risk of changing travel plans.
According to Kyle Struckmann, the head aviation meteorologist for the National Weather Service, here are the four types of weather most likely to impact flight schedules:
Wild Winds: Wind speed and direction play crucial roles in safe takeoffs and landings. Planes require headwinds for lift and stability during these critical phases of flight. Without adequate headwinds, aircraft may struggle to get off the ground or land safely.
Low Visibility: Adverse weather conditions often reduce visibility to near-zero levels. While pilots can rely on instruments to navigate through clouds, they need sufficient visibility of the runway to identify potential hazards that instruments may not detect quickly.
Snow and Ice: Snow and ice must be cleared from runways to ensure safe operations. Ice accumulation on aircraft can disrupt airflow over the wings, affecting lift and increasing the plane's weight. Excessive ice buildup can lead to uncontrollable maneuvers during flight.
Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms present a combination of updrafts and downdrafts, creating fast-moving air columns that cause severe turbulence. In addition to turbulence, thunderstorms can bring hail and lightning, posing risks to aircraft in flight.
Understanding the impact of these weather conditions on air travel is essential for ensuring passenger safety and minimizing disruptions. Airlines and aviation authorities closely monitor weather forecasts to make informed decisions and mitigate risks associated with adverse weather.
