Understanding the weather

Interpreting synoptic charts 

Get an overview of the weather over the country with an understanding of synoptic charts. 

Synoptic charts may appear confusing at first glance. However, with a basic understanding of fronts and air masses, these charts can show a lot of information about the expected conditions over the UK. 

Understanding weather fronts 

Weather fronts mark the boundary or transition zone between two air masses which often have contrasting weather properties. 

Get answers to questions such as: 

'What kind of weather do warm and cold fronts typically introduce?' 

'What changes do pilots experience when flying through a cold or warm front?' 

Understanding air masses 

Air masses are large bodies of air with uniform weather conditions, such as similar clouds and temperature. 

Learn about the flying conditions you should expect when the weather originates from different regions. 

Learn about the weather 

The earth's atmosphere exhibits an extraordinary variety of weather phenomena. The world's weather is perpetually on the move, pushed and shaped by air currents in the atmosphere. Learn about the weather and how it works.