Aviation weather

Weather decides more flights than anything else, for airplanes and drones alike. The tools here range from official US government products to interactive maps and drone-specific forecasts.

The Aviation Weather Center publishes the official US aviation products: METARs, TAFs, advisories and forecast graphics. 1800wxbrief is the flight service website where US pilots can get an official briefing and file flight plans. Windy is an interactive map that shows several forecast models and lets you view wind and cloud at different altitudes. UAV Forecast condenses conditions into a simple go or no-go view for drone flying, with wind, gusts, visibility and satellite information.

Use interactive maps to understand trends and plan ahead, and use official products and briefings for the decision on the day. For drone work, local wind at the site can differ a lot from a forecast, so check conditions where you stand before launch.

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4 drone and aviation tools in aviation weather

Aviation Weather Center

by NOAA National Weather Service

Official US aviation weather site with METARs, TAFs, forecasts, advisories and graphics for flight planning.

  • Free plan or free tier

Windy

by Windy.com

Interactive weather map with wind, cloud, rain and forecast models at many altitudes, on the web and in mobile apps.

  • Free plan or free tier
  • Mobile app

UAV Forecast

Drone flying forecast that rates conditions by wind, gusts, precipitation and visibility, with notes on satellites and Kp index.

  • Free plan or free tier
  • Mobile app

1800wxbrief

by Leidos Flight Service

Flight service website for US pilots to get official weather briefings and file flight plans.

  • Free plan or free tier

Read forecasts with their limits in mind. A TAF covers an airport and its immediate area for a set period, while model maps cover large regions and can smooth over local effects such as valley fog or sea breezes. Comparing an official forecast with what a model map shows is a good way to spot when conditions are uncertain.

Drone crews have their own weather concerns. Low clouds and visibility matter for keeping the drone in sight, gusts near buildings can exceed what a small drone handles, and cold weather shortens battery life. A simple preflight check of wind, precipitation and temperature at the site catches most problems before launch.

Questions about aviation weather

Which weather source should pilots use for flight decisions?

For crewed flights in the US, use official products and a standard briefing, for example through the Aviation Weather Center and 1800wxbrief. Third-party maps help with planning but are not a substitute for an official briefing.

Why do drone pilots use UAV Forecast?

It summarizes conditions that matter for small drones, such as wind and gusts at low altitude, rain, visibility and GPS satellite information, into a quick view for deciding whether to fly.

Is Windy free?

Windy has a free web map and apps. A paid plan adds more frequent updates and extra features. Its forecasts come from weather models and should be checked against official products.

How much does wind matter for drones?

A lot. Small drones can struggle in strong wind and gusts, and conditions near buildings or terrain can be worse than forecasts show. Check the drone maker's limits and conditions on site.

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