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What percentage of scattered thunderstorms mean?
If a forecaster mentions scattered thunderstorms, this implies that 30, 40, or 50 percent of the area for which the forecast is valid is expected to experience measurable precipitation (0.01 inch or more) from thunderstorms during the valid time.
How likely is it to rain with a 60 chance?
Some forecasters emphasize the chance you will see rain at some time during the forecast period. Others emphasize the area affected. If they say 60% chance of rain, 60% of their area will experience rain at some point during the forecast period.
What does 70% chance of thunderstorm mean?
In other words, if the POP or thunderstorm probability is quite high, 70-percent or greater, that means the computer model, and/or the forecaster is highly certain about what will happen during the forecast time period, and the odds are good that the forecasted weather will materialize.
Do planes fly in scattered thunderstorms?
If a thunderstorm forms along a flight path, they will route planes around the storm, which can extend flights, also contributing to delays. The large, well-organized thunderstorms that form over the Great Plains can sometimes extend for hundreds of miles, slowing air traffic across the country, he said.
Is 40 percent rain a good chance?
The good news is that the average person doesn’t need to get out a pencil and paper every time they read the forecast. According to the National Weather Service, if you see a 40 percent chance of rain, “there is a 40 percent chance that rain will occur at any given point in the area.”
What does the 40% rain mean?
Instead, it means a certain percentage of the forecasted area will definitely see rain—so if you see a 40% chance, it means 40% of the forecasted area will see rainfall. More commonly, meteorologists measure PoP as the chance of rain at any given point in the area they cover during a certain period of time.
Can you fly in scattered thunderstorms?
Heating during the day combined with moist air creates the cycle for cumulus clouds, some of which grow into thunderstorms. These can disrupt flights because flying through or landing in thunderstorms can be hazardous. The effect of thunderstorms in these spots can severely disrupt an airline’s operation.
Is it safe to fly in a thunderstorm?
How safe is flying through a storm? For this reason, flying through a storm is generally safe. In the case of extreme weather, air traffic controllers will always direct aircraft above or around severe storms to avoid uncomfortable turbulence or any damage being done to the aircraft.