Definition
Predictions of future atmospheric conditions over a specified area and time period, produced by meteorological services and used by pilots to plan flights. Aviation weather forecasts cover elements such as wind, visibility, cloud, precipitation, turbulence, icing, and thunderstorm activity, and are issued in standardized products including the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), Area Forecast, Winds and Temperatures Aloft Forecast, and Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET) and Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) advisories.
Plain English
Predictions of what the weather is expected to do over a certain area and time, used by pilots to decide whether and how to fly.
Context Anchor
Pilots use weather forecasts during preflight planning, before departure, and while deciding whether a planned flight still makes sense.
Derivation
From Old English forecast, meaning to plan or estimate ahead of time. A weather forecast is literally a 'cast' (throw) of judgment 'fore' (before) the event. The word reminds the pilot that a forecast is an informed estimate of the future, not a guarantee.
Why Pilots Care
They help pilots decide if conditions are safe for a flight and choose routes or departure times accordingly.
Intuition Check
Do not treat a weather forecast as a guarantee or as a report of what is happening right now. It is the best available prediction of what the weather is expected to be.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight planning, the pilot reviewed the weather forecasts for both the departure and destination airports before filing the flight plan.
Example Sentence 2
Updated weather forecasts showed improving visibility at the destination.