Definition
A radar or computer-generated screen at an air traffic control facility that shows current precipitation and weather echoes overlaid on the controller's traffic picture, allowing controllers to identify areas of significant weather and advise pilots accordingly.
Plain English
A screen at the controller's workstation that shows where rain, storms, and other weather are happening, so the controller can see weather and aircraft on the same picture.
Context Anchor
Seen in ARTCC and air traffic control discussions, especially when controllers are watching weather that may affect aircraft under their control.
Why Pilots Care
Allows real-time identification of hazardous weather so routes can be adjusted to maintain safety and avoid turbulence or icing.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a weather display is a full weather forecast. In this context, it is a control-room display of current weather information shown near aircraft and route information.
Example Sentence 1
The controller saw a line of heavy precipitation on his weather display and offered the flight a 20-degree left deviation.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot used the weather display on the multifunction screen to pick a smoother path through scattered clouds.