Severe Weather Boxes

CHAPTER TWO

METEOROLOGY FLIGHT PLANNING

Abbreviations

Although all abbreviations used are listed in Figure 2-8, some deserve additional explanation.

For example, NE is used when no echoes were observed, from available radar information. NA

is used when radar information is not available, thus one cannot determine whether precipitation

is present. Likewise, OM indicates no radar information is available.

Severe Weather Boxes

When an Aviation Severe Weather Watch (WW) is in effect, the area covered will be outlined on

the Radar Summary Chart by a dashed box. The valid time and number of the watch will also be

shown on the chart. The letters "WT" denote a tornado watch while the letters "WS" denote a

severe thunderstorm watch. This is the only forecast information displayed on the chart. This

box should alert the pilot to the OPNAVINST 3710.7 or local Air Force command restrictions

applying to military aircraft in association with Severe Weather Watches (to be covered in

chapter 3).

207.

NEXT GENERATION RADAR (NEXRAD)

Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) images provide an excellent source of weather information

for pilots. The computer monitor image seen in a weather office is a computer-generated

compilation of radar data transmitted from a radar site.

Advantages

The NEXRAD system has significant advantages over conventional weather radar systems. The

resolution of the display is improved, while the displays provide meteorologists and aircrew with

numerous options for presentation of a wide variety of system products. For example, Figure 2-11

is a NEXRAD display of a storm track showing the northeasterly progress of a storm in the

Oklahoma area.

2-12 DATA DISPLAYED ON WEATHER IMAGERY PRODUCTS