Introduction Aviation, probably more than any other mode of transportation, is greatly affected by weather. From thunderstorms and snow storms, to wind and fog as well as temperature and pressure extremes, every phase of flight has the potential to be impacted by weather. Commercial aviation in the U.S. , with its more than 16,000 daily flights, must deal with these adverse types of weather regularly, and the cost is a significant budget item. On the ground, aircraft may have to be deiced prior to departure, sometimes having to be coated with a fluid the night before to prevent snow or ice build-up.
Runways have to be plowed or treated.
Lightning in the area prevents ground handlers and fuelers from carrying out their work. During the enroute phase of flight, jetstream winds and temperatures have a significant impact on fuel burn and on-time performance. In passenger-carrying aircraft, turbulence is a major concern, while thunderstorms can close air routes for hundreds of miles. Volcanic ash, especially hazardous to aircraft engines, forces costly re-routes. And Forecasts Considering the potential impacts mentioned above, the two major impacts of weather are safety and efficiency of operation.