Definition
Aviation weather products that predict expected atmospheric conditions — such as wind, visibility, ceiling, precipitation, and turbulence — for a specific location, route, or area, valid over a stated future time period. Common examples include the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), Area Forecast Discussion, Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast, and graphical forecast products issued through the FAA and National Weather Service.
Plain English
Official predictions of what the weather is expected to be at airports and along routes during a future window of time, used by pilots to plan a flight.
Context Anchor
A pilot reviews forecasts before flight, especially during the weather briefing and preflight planning for a planned route.
Derivation
From Middle English 'forecasten,' meaning 'to plan beforehand' or 'to throw ahead' (fore- 'before' + cast 'to throw'). The aviation use keeps that core idea: throwing a prediction ahead in time so pilots can plan around it.
Why Pilots Care
Forecasts allow pilots to anticipate changes that could affect safety, fuel planning, or the decision to fly or divert.
Intuition Check
Do not treat forecasts as promises. A forecast is an informed prediction, so a pilot should compare it with current weather reports and keep checking for updates.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight planning, the pilot reviewed the forecasts for the destination and alternate airports to confirm the ceiling and visibility would remain above minimums on arrival.
Example Sentence 2
Updated forecasts showed clearing conditions, so the flight continued without delay.