Definition
An FAA system that collects weather data from multiple sources, processes it, and distributes a unified weather picture to air traffic controllers and other ATC systems. WARP combines NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) data with other meteorological inputs to produce mosaic weather displays used primarily at en route ATC facilities (ARTCCs).
Plain English
A central computer system that gathers weather information from many radars and weather sources, blends it into one clear picture, and sends that picture to controllers' screens so they can see weather along the routes they are managing.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of ATC radar weather displays, especially when learning what weather information a controller may be able to see and pass along to a pilot.
Derivation
WARP is built from the words Weather and Radar Processor. In this term, a processor is a computer system that handles and prepares radar weather data so it can be shown usefully on ATC displays.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots access to current weather radar information through controllers so they can avoid thunderstorms and other hazards.
Grounding Statement
WARP turns raw radar weather information into a usable weather picture for air traffic control.
Intuition Check
Do not read WARP as ordinary “warp,” meaning to bend or distort something. Here, WARP is an FAA acronym for a computer system that processes weather-radar information for ATC use.
Example Sentence 1
Center controllers use WARP imagery to help pilots plan deviations around lines of thunderstorms along their route.
Example Sentence 2
WARP feeds into the national radar mosaic that controllers use for en route weather advisories.