The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Aviation Weather Center delivers consistent, timely, and accurate weather information for both domestic and international airspace. Experts at the Aviation Weather Center provide forecast aviation hazards such as icing, turbulence, and convection.

NOAA Weather Resources

NOAA's Aviation Weather Center delivers consistent, timely, and accurate weather information for both domestic and international airspace. Experts at the Aviation Weather Center provide forecast aviation hazards such as icing, turbulence, and convection. Forecasts and weather information is delivered through text and graphical forecasts at aviationweather.gov.

The Aviation Weather Center hosts the popular Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS), where pilots can gain general awareness of weather conditions by visiting easily identifiable links to various aviation hazards. For a real-time picture of current conditions, check the Ceiling and Visibility link to view IMC conditions through regional displays of ceiling, visibility, or flight category. Visit the radar and satellite links for real-time imagery.

It is one-stop shopping at the "Standard Briefing" webpage with links to many NOAA's aviation weather products. "Standard Briefing" is designed to help pilots better visualize weather and weather-related hazards. After reviewing materials on standard briefing, it is always important for pilots to call and obtain a briefing from an FAA Flight Service Specialist or self-brief through DUATS.

NWS products pertaining to Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)

METARS: Aviation Routine Weather Reports. Hourly observations made at many airports. METARS include the observed cloud and visibility conditions and can be displayed in text or graphic formats.

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF): Issued by weather service forecast offices (WFOs), these forecasts are valid for 24-30 hours for an area within 5 statute miles of the center of the airport. TAFs include information on wind, visibility, cloud cover and the type of precipitation expected. It can also be displayed in text or graphic formats.

AIRMET/G-AIRMET: AIRMETs or Graphical-AIRMETS are advisories of weather that is potentially hazardous to flight but does not meet criteria for a SIGMET. AIRMETS are issued four times per day and are valid for a period of up to six hours. AIRMETS are issued for IFR/Mountain Obscuration, Turbulence, and Icing. For IMC conditions, pilots should pay close attention to AIRMET SIERRA. An AIRMET SIERRA may be issued for ceilings less than 1000 feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles affecting over 50% of the area. An AIRMET SIERRA will also be issued for extensive mountain obscuration. G-AIRMETS are a graphical snapshot of the AIRMET information and are only valid at a specified time.