National Weather Service
Professional Development Series

Forecasting Low-Altitude Clouds and Fog for Aviation Operations

Executive Producer: Mike Graf, OCWWS Aviation Services Branch

The goal of this Professional Development Series (PDS) is to improve fog and stratus forecasts and contribute to enhancement of aviation safety. The PDS training plan is an interagency effort targeting NMOC, AFWA, FAA, and NWS forecasters. The aviation hazards addressed in this series are:

  • Low cloud ceilings.
  • Restricted horizontal visibility.

    • These hazards currently are included in forecast products (such as TAFs, TWEBs, AIRMETS, and SIGMETS in the NWS WFOs, CWSUs, and AWC) in the form of military-, FAA-, and NWS-generated ceiling and visibility forecasts. Some of these forecasts address global airspace. The skills and knowledge presented in this PDS will help aviation forecasters preparing forecasts that specifically address hazardous ceiling and visibility conditions.

    Professional Competency Units

    This Professional Development Series (PDS) includes the Professional Competency Units (PCUs) listed below. Click on a unit to see details.

  • PCU 1: Fog and Stratus Climatology

    Assess the local climatology for fog and other low-altitude clouds, including the influence of soil moisture and water temperature

  • PCU 2: Fog and Stratus Diagnosis

    Analyze the synoptic, regional, and local conditions for the existence of low-altitude clouds and fog.

  • PCU 3: Physical Processes

    Assess the processes that lead to the development, movement, or dissipation of low-altitude clouds and fog during the forecast period.

  • PCU 4: Fog and Stratus Forecasting

    Forecast the spatial and temporal onset and dissipation of low-altitude clouds and fog.

    • Return to the Master NWS PDS Page
    Last updated on 3/23/01