AWH 3-14

Chapter 3, Overview of Aviation Weather Information 3-14 Thunderstorm Information Contained In: Type Summary Radar I Radar provides intensity levels of precipitation. Thunderstorms can typically be distinguished based on intensity, but not always. Certain radar limitations can be misleading. Lightning data G Used in the METAR, SPECI, ASOS, AWOS, ATIS, as well as incorporated into other product overlays (e.g., satellite pictures, radar display). Satellite I Thunderstorms can be inferred by a meteorologist or trained specialist, unless they are embedded in other cloud layers. Weather Camera I CB clouds may be seen on the camera. Analysis Advisories Convective SIGMET T, G Active area of thunderstorms. Only issued for the CONUS instead of a SIGMET for thunderstorms. SIGMET T, G Active area of thunderstorms. Issued for areas outside the CONUS. CWA T, G Active area of thunderstorms. Issued as a supplement to a Convective SIGMET or when Convective SIGMET criteria have not been met. AWW T Intended for ground operations at select airports. Criteria may vary depending on user needs. For example, it can be issued for cloud to ground lightning within 5 miles of the airport. Forecasts TAF T, G Thunderstorm included using various descriptors. For example: - TS: thunderstorm without precipitation (means dry thunderstorms). - TSRA: thunderstorm with precipitation (in this case, rain). - VCTS: thunderstorms in the vicinity (i.e., within 5–10 SM of the center of the airport). Aviation Surface Forecast G Derived from the GFA and includes forecasts of areas of thunderstorms at specified valid times. Alaska Area Forecast T A description of significant clouds and weather including thunderstorms and CB clouds. Hawaii Area Forecast T A description of significant clouds and weather including thunderstorms and CB clouds. Gulf of America and Caribbean Area Forecast T A description of significant clouds and weather including thunderstorms and CB clouds. Med-Level SIGWX G Forecast of significant weather including areas of CB clouds at specified valid times for limited geographic areas around the globe. High-Level SIGWX G Global forecast of significant weather including areas of CB clouds at specified valid times. Alaska SIGWX Chart G Forecast of significant weather including areas of thunderstorms at specified valid times. Alaska Surface Chart G Forecast of surface weather features including areas of thunderstorms at specified valid times. Alaska Convective Outlook G Seasonal product that provides forecasts that indicate where conditions are favorable for towering cumulus and thunderstorms at specified valid times. Surface Prog Charts G CONUS forecast that includes areas of thunderstorms at specified valid times. WAFS G Global forecasts that include areas of CB clouds.