Measuring weather

Upper air measurements - aircraft

Powered unmanned and manned flying aircraft are also useful for in situ observations of the upper troposphere. Because they are costly, aircraft measurements are usually reserved for special research missions or significant weather events, like hurricanes. Often the purpose of these research missions is not direct weather observation but observation of small-scale underlying features of the weather that can be analyzed and used to improve weather forecast models. However, reports from research and commercial aircraft are often used by meteorologists for short-term weather reporting.

Aircraft observations obtained during flight are particularly valuable for filling in observational gaps in upper-air and remote regions. Airline pilots report PIREPs, or Pilot Reports, of actual weather conditions they encounter during flight to help others. For example, a pilot who is experiencing icing conditions, where ice is accumulating on the airplane, will file a PIREP so that others can avoid that air space. Turbulence and high winds are also reported. You can learn more about aircraft weather reconnaissance here!

Next page   -> remote observations

Links and resources