Definition
A graphical display of current or forecast weather information overlaid on a moving map, typically shown on a Multi-Function Display (MFD). It presents data such as precipitation, cloud cover, lightning, turbulence, icing, or echo tops in a visual form so the pilot can see weather in relation to the aircraft's position and route.
Plain English
A picture of the weather drawn on the cockpit map screen, showing where the rain, storms, or other weather is in relation to where you are flying.
Context Anchor
Seen on a multi-function display (MFD), often as a weather layer or overlay on the moving map.
Derivation
From 'depict' (Latin depingere, 'to portray or paint'). A weather depiction is literally a painted picture of the weather — not the raw numbers, but a visual rendering of what's happening in the sky.
Why Pilots Care
Enables real-time identification and avoidance of hazardous weather, supporting safer route decisions and reduced exposure to turbulence or icing.
Analogy
It is like a traffic map in a car: useful for seeing problem areas ahead, but not the same as looking directly at the road in front of you.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “depiction” means a perfect live picture. In this context, it means a displayed representation based on available weather information, which may be limited or delayed.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot pulled up the weather depiction on the MFD and saw a line of storms forming about forty miles ahead of the route.
Example Sentence 2
With the weather depiction showing clear conditions ahead, the crew continued the flight without deviation.