Alaska weather chart change proposed

The public notice inviting feedback includes links to sample products so interested parties can see what the new charts would look like. In general, changes to the Surface Chart would add considerably more detail, showing the probability of different conditions occurring (including rain, snow, smoke, and other conditions). Weather fronts would be broken out into a separate Surface Analysis Chart.

The Significant Weather Chart would contain similar mapping units to what we see today, showing forecast IFR, marginal VFR, and other information, but with a small change to color-coded map units. The frequency of both sets of chart updates would remain unchanged. From AOPA’s initial inspection, the biggest changes are to the Surface Chart, which will be much more detailed in the depiction of forecast conditions.

Feedback is invited through October 29, but don’t wait to review the proposed changes. To look at a sample, with the ability to toggle between current and proposed charts, visit the NWS website.

Please copy AOPA with your comments at: [email protected].