Definition
An FAA system that collects weather data from multiple sources, processes it, and distributes a single, consistent weather picture to air traffic controllers and other FAA systems. WARP combines National Weather Service products and NEXRAD radar data into displays used primarily at Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) for en route weather awareness and traffic management.
Plain English
A behind-the-scenes FAA computer system that gathers weather information from many sources, blends it together, and sends a clear weather picture to air traffic controllers so they can see what the weather is doing across their airspace.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying and air traffic control discussions about how weather-radar information reaches controller displays.
Why Pilots Care
Helps pilots detect and avoid hazardous weather during IFR operations, supporting safer route and altitude decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not read WARP as a cockpit radar unit or a general computer chip. In this FAA context, it is a named ground system that processes weather-radar information for air traffic control use.
Example Sentence 1
The center controller's weather display is fed by WARP, which is why she could describe the line of storms ahead before we picked it up on our radar.
Example Sentence 2
Before descent, the crew reviewed output from the weather and radar processor for any turbulence indications ahead.