Plain English Meaning

An early look at the weather for a flight that is still several hours off. It helps you plan ahead, but you must get a fresh briefing closer to takeoff because the weather will likely change.

Full Definition

A type of weather briefing requested when a planned departure is six or more hours away. It provides forecast information appropriate for early flight planning but is not intended to be the final briefing used to make the go/no-go decision. A standard or abbreviated briefing should be obtained closer to departure.

Context Anchor

You encounter this term when requesting a weather briefing before a flight, especially when the flight is planned for later in the day or the next day.

Derivation

From the everyday word 'outlook,' meaning a look ahead at what's expected. The term signals that this briefing is forward-looking rather than — a preview, not a final .