It’s been a pretty smooth flight so far, but out of the haze, you see the emerging outline of a huge towering cumulus. Oh, wonderful—an afternoon thunderstorm in your way.
ATC Sees Weather, too
Key Takeaways:
- ATC weather radar displays are simplified, showing only precipitation with TRACONs providing near real-time data and Center controllers relying on NEXRAD data with a significant time lag (4-5+ minutes).
- Controllers' radar scopes do not show clouds, lightning, wind, turbulence, or the vertical extent of precipitation, relying primarily on 2D precipitation data.
- Automated weather systems (ASOS/METARs) can have inaccuracies or blind spots, which tower controllers can manually verify and edit based on visual observations.
- Pilot Reports (PIREPs) are crucial for providing real-time, firsthand weather information, supplementing ATC data, and confirming hazardous conditions for the safety of other aircraft.
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