Plain English Meaning

The big-picture summary at the start of a weather briefing that tells you what weather systems are in play and how they are moving.

Full Definition

In a weather briefing, a synopsis is a brief overview of the major weather systems and air masses affecting the area of the planned flight, including the location and movement of fronts, pressure systems, and other large-scale features that explain the weather conditions.

Context Anchor

You will hear or read a synopsis during a standard preflight weather briefing, before the briefer gives more detailed current and forecast weather.

Derivation

From the Greek 'synopsis,' meaning 'a general view' (syn- 'together' + opsis 'view'). It literally means 'seeing it all together' — which its role as the wide- picture before the detailed weather follows.