Convection
Convection is a serious weather phenomenon for the aviation industry and the single greatest weather-related cause of problems and delays in the industry, particularly in congested airspace. Convection is caused when rising air and excess water vapor form large, tall clouds with unexpected, rapid-forming thunderstorms, particularly in summer months. The impact of convective weather in one region can have a rippling effect across the national airspace, causing delays and cancellations that cost the aviation industry millions of dollars each year. AvMet is working to lessen the impact of convective weather on air traffic management by improving the forecast accuracy of and strategic planning for convective weather. We analyze the impact of convective weather on airport operations, work to improve near-term and strategic weather forecasts, and investigate flight behavior in the presence of convective weather. AvMet works closely with the FAA to develop, evaluate, and recommend convective weather forecast concepts and products aimed at providing effective air traffic control guidance to decision makers.