Plain English Meaning

How fast and from which direction the wind is blowing at the altitudes you'll be flying, rather than at ground level.

Full Definition

The speed and direction of the wind at altitudes above the surface, typically forecast and reported at standard flight levels (such as 3,000, 6,000, 9,000, and 12,000 feet) for use in flight planning.

Context Anchor

Seen during preflight planning, weather briefings, and route planning when choosing an altitude and estimating time and fuel.

Derivation

‘Aloft’ comes from Old Norse ‘á lopt,’ meaning ‘in the air’ or ‘up above.’ So ‘winds aloft’ literally means ‘the up there’ — the winds at altitude, as to the surface winds reported at airports.