The Weather of Ontario and Quebec

Graphic Area Forecast 33

Introduction

Meteorology is the science of the atmosphere, a sea of air that is in a constant state of flux.Within it storms are born, grow in intensity as they sweep across sections of the globe, then dissipate. No one is immune to the day-to-day fluctuations in the weather, especially the aviator who must operate within the atmosphere.

Traditionally, weather information for the aviation community has largely been provided in textual format. One such product, the area forecast (FA), was designed to provide the forecast weather for the next twelve hours over a specific geographical area. This information consisted of a description of the expected motion of significant weather systems, the associated clouds, weather and visibility.

In April 2000, the Graphical Area Forecast (GFA) came into being, superceding the area forecast. A number of MSC Forecast Centres now work together, using graphical software packages, to produce a single national graphical depiction of the forecast weather systems and the associated weather. This single national map is then partitioned into a number of GFA Domains for use by Flight Service Specialists, flight dispatchers and pilots.

Introduction

Throughout its history, aviation has had an intimate relationship with the weather. Time has brought improvements - better aircraft, improved air navigation systems and a systemized program of pilot training. Despite this, weather continues to extact its toll.