Severe Weather Phenomena in Aviation
Severe Weather Phenomena in Aviation When we fly, we often don’t think about the weather beyond rain or clouds. However, many different weather conditions can affect aircraft safety and comfort. Modern aviation is very safe, but understanding these weather phenomena helps explain why flights are sometimes delayed, diverted or feel uncomfortable. Let’s look at the most important weather conditions that affect aviation—explained in simple terms. Turbulence Turbulence is the most common weather experience passengers notice during a flight. It happens when air moves unevenly, causing the aircraft to shake. Most of the time, turbulence is harmless and only uncomfortable. However, very strong turbulence can be dangerous, especially for smaller aircraft. Turbulence usually occurs near clouds, particularly thunderclouds. There is also something called clear-air turbulence , which happens in clear skies and cannot be seen on radar. This type of turbulence can come as a surprise to bo...