Definition
A weather product that predicts wind direction, wind speed, and air temperature at specific altitudes for selected reporting locations and valid time periods. It is issued for use in flight planning to estimate groundspeed, fuel burn, drift correction, and the likelihood of icing or turbulence at cruise altitudes.
Plain English
A forecast that tells you which way the wind will be blowing, how strong it will be, and how cold or warm the air will be at different heights above the ground for a given time window.
Context Anchor
Seen in a standard preflight weather briefing when planning a route, choosing an altitude, and estimating time and fuel.
Derivation
Aloft simply means up in the air, above the surface. So the term reads as written: a forecast of the winds and temperatures you will find up at altitude, rather than at the ground.
Why Pilots Care
Helps choose the most efficient altitude, anticipate fuel burn, avoid strong headwinds, and identify possible icing or turbulence layers.
Intuition Check
Do not assume this means the current wind and temperature everywhere above the airport. It is a forecast for selected altitudes and areas, and the actual conditions between those points can differ.
Example Sentence 1
Looking at the forecast winds and temperatures aloft, she chose 6,000 feet eastbound for a stronger tailwind.
Example Sentence 2
Strong forecast winds and temperatures aloft at 12,000 feet warned of possible turbulence during the climb.