March 23rd is World Meteorological Day, and this year’s theme is particularly interesting to aviation enthusiasts: understanding clouds.
In the aviation industry, clouds provide a stunning backdrop for our day-in and day-out life at work. For pilots, breathtaking views are certainly one of the perks of the job! However, when it comes to clouds, there’s so much more than meets the eye.
In addition to helping drive the water cycle and sustain our climate, clouds play an essential role in weather forecasts and warnings. Clouds help meteorologists to provide aviation weather information which allows airline dispatchers, pilots, and air traffic managers to make the most informed, up-to-date decisions regarding where and when to fly. Accurate meteorological forecasting is critical for flight safety and efficiency.
The 2017 World Meteorological Day will raise awareness of the need to better understand how clouds affect the climate and how a changing climate will affect clouds. Of course, it’s not all business. This day also provides an opportunity to celebrate the pure, unmatched beauty of clouds.
To our ALPA members who will be spending this day in the clouds: may you have a renewed sense of awe and appreciation for the view from your office today. In honor of World Meteorological Day, we thank the dedicated meteorologists who work tirelessly to safeguard our pilots and passengers with their forecasts.
For more information about the 2017 World Meteorological Day, please visit: https://public.wmo.int/en/WorldMetDay2017