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• The AAWU:
o Alaska: S even FAs containing a total of 25 zones (see Table 5-11, Weather Elements on Forecast Product Tabs), covering separate geographic al areas of Alaska and the adjacent coastal waters, including the Pribilof Islands and Southeast Bering Sea (see Figure 5-44, AAWU Flight Advisory and Area Forecast (FA) Zones—Alaska).
Figure 5-41. AWC Area Forecast (FA) Region and WMO Header—Gulf of Mexico
5-70 Figure 5-42. AWC Area Forecast (FA) Region and WMO Header—Caribbean
F igure 5-43. WFO Honolulu Area Forecast (FA) Region and WMO Header—Hawaii
5-71 Figure 5-44. AAWU Flight Advisory and Area Forecast Zones—Alaska
Tabl e 5-13. AAWU Area Forecast (FA) Zones—Alaska 1 Arctic Coast Coastal 2 North Slopes of the Brooks Range 3 Upper Yukon Valley 4 Koyukuk and Upper Kobuk Valley 5 Northern Seward Peninsula-Lower Kobuk Valley 6 Southern Seward Peninsula-Eastern Norton Sound 7 Tanana Valley 8 Lower Yukon Valley 9 Kuskowim Valley 10 Yukon-Kuskowim Delta 11 Bristol Bay 12 Lynn Canal and Glacier Bay 13 Central Southeast Alaska 14 Southern Southeast Alaska 15 Coastal Southeast Alaska 16 Eastern Gulf Coast 17 Copper River Basin 18 Cook Inlet-Susitna Valley 19 Central Gulf Coast 20 Kodiak Island 21 Alaska Peninsula-Port Heiden to Unimak Pass 22 Unimak Pass to Adak 23 St. Lawrence Island-Bering Sea Coast 24 Adak to Attu 25 Pribilof Islands and Southeast Bering Sea
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5.11.1.2 FA Standardization.
All FAs follow these standards:
• All heights or altitudes are referenced to MSL, unless otherwise noted
(i.e., prefaced by AGL or CIG), and annotated using the height in hundreds of feet, consisting of three digits (e.g., 040). For heights at or above 18,000 ft, the level is preceded by FL to represent FLs
(e.g., FL180). Tops are always referenced to MSL.
• References to latitude and longitude are in whole degrees and minutes following the model: Nnn[nn] or Snn[nn], Wnnn[nn], or Ennn[nn] with a space between latitude and longitude and a hyphen between successive points. Example: N3106 W07118 – N3011 W7209.
• Messages are prepared in abbreviated plain language using contractions from Order 7340.2 for domestic products and ICAO Document 8400 for products issued for Oceanic FIRs. A limited number of non-abbreviated words, geographical names, and numerical values of a self-explanatory nature may also be used.
• Weather and obstructions to visibility are described using the weather abbreviations for surface weather observations (METAR/SPECI).
5.11.1.3 FA Issuance Schedule.
FAs are scheduled products issued at the following times (see Table 5-14, Area Forecast (FA) Issuance Schedule).
Table 5-14. Area Forecast (FA) Issuance Schedule Gulf of Mexico (UTC) Caribbean (UTC) Hawaii (UTC) Alaska (UTC) 1st Issuance 0130 0330 0340 0415 (DT) 0515 (ST) 2nd Issuance 1030 0930 0940 1215 (DT) 1315 (ST) 3rd Issuance 1830 1530 1540 2015 (DT) 2115 (ST) 4th Issuance None 2130 2140 None Note: DT—During Alaska Daylight Time, ST—During Alaska Standard Time, UTC—Coordinated Universal Time.
5.11.1.4 FA Amendments.
Amendments are issued whenever the weather significantly improves or deteriorates based upon the judgment of the forecaster. AMD is included after the date/time group on the FAA product line. The date/time group on the WMO and FAA lines is updated to indicate the time of the correction. The ending valid time remains unchanged.
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5.11.1.5 FA Corrections.
FAs containing errors will be corrected. COR is included after the date/time group on the FAA product line. The date/time group on the WMO and FAA lines is updated to indicate the time of the correction. The ending valid time remains unchanged.
5.11.1.6 FA—Gulf of Mexico (FAGX).
FAs issued for the Gulf of Mexico (FAGX) cover the airspace between the surface and 45,000 ft MSL and include the following elements with each geographical section having an entry, even if it is negative:
• Synopsis: A brief discussion of the significant synoptic weather affecting the FAGX area during the entire 24-hour valid period.
• Significant Clouds and Weather: A description of the significant clouds and weather for the first 12 hours of the forecast period, including the following elements:
o Cloud amount (SCT, BKN or OVC) for clouds with bases below FL180.
o Cloud bases and tops associated with the above bullet.
o Precipitation and thunderstorms.
o Visibility below 7 sm and obstruction(s) to visibility.
o Sustained surface winds greater than or equal to 20 kts.
o 12- to 24-hour categorical outlook (LIFR, IFR, MVFR or VFR).
• Icing and Freezing Level: Moderate or severe icing and freezing level.
• Turbulence: Moderate or greater turbulence.
5.11.1.6.1 FA—Gulf of Mexico (FAGX) Example.
FAGX20 KKCI 091812 (ICAO product header) OFAGX (NWS AWIPS Communication header) SYNOPSIS VALID TIL 101900Z FCST...091900Z-100700Z OTLK...100700Z-101900Z
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS BRANCH
AVIATION WEATHER CENTER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI .
CSTL WATERS FROM COASTLINE OUT TO HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR AND GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR AND W OF 85W. HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR AND GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR.
.
TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND IFR CONDS. HGTS MSL.
.
01 SYNOPSIS...HIGH PRES OVR NRN GLFMEX.
.
02 SIGNIFICANT CLD/WX...
.
CSTL WATERS...
SCT020. OTLK...VFR.
5-74 .
HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR… SCT020. OTLK...VFR.
.
GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR...
SCT020. OTLK...VFR.
.
03 ICE AND FRZLVL...
CSTL WATERS…SEE AIRMETS ZULU WAUS44 KKCI AND WAUS42 KKCI.
HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR… NO SGFNT ICE EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR…NO SGFNT ICE EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
FRZLVL…140 THRUT.
.
04 TURB...
CSTL WATERS…SEE AIRMETS TANGO WAUS44 KKCI AND WAUS42 KKCI.
HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR… NO SGFNT TURB EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR…NO SGFNT TURB EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
5.11.1.7 FA—Caribbean (FACA).
FAs issued for the Caribbean (FACA) cover the airspace between the surface and 24,000 ft MSL and include the following elements. Each geographical section will have an entry even if it is negative.
• Synopsis: A brief discussion of the significant synoptic weather affecting the FACA area during the 24-hour valid period.
• Significant Clouds and Weather: A description of the significant clouds and weather for the first 12 hours of the forecast period, including the following elements.
o Cloud amount (SCT, BKN, or OVC) for cloud bases below FL180.
o Cloud bases and tops associated with the above bullet.
o Precipitation and thunderstorms.
o Visibility below 7 sm and obstruction(s) to visibility.
o Sustained surface winds greater than or equal to 20 kts.
o 12- to 24-hour categorical outlook (IFR, MVFR or VFR).
• Icing and Freezing Level: Moderate or greater icing and freezing level.
• Turbulence: Moderate or greater turbulence.
5.11.1.7.1 FA—Caribbean (FACA) Example.
FACA20 KKCI 121530 (ICAO product header) OFAMKC (NWS AWIPS Communication header)
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS BRANCH
AVIATION WEATHER CENTER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI VALID 121600-130400 OUTLOOK...130400-131600 .
ATLANTIC S OF 32N W OF 57W...CARIBBEAN...GULF OF MEXICO BTN 22N AND 24N.
.
5-75 TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND IFR CONDS. SFC TO 400 MB.
.
SYNOPSIS...WK CDFNT EXTDS FM NR 28N60W TO 23N63W TO THE MONA PASSAGE. CDFNT WL MOV EWD AND WKN TODAY. EXP NARROW BAND OF CLDS WITH ISOL SHRA INVOF CDFNT.
.
SIGNIFICANT CLD/WX...
ERN MONTERREY FIR...NRN MERIDA FIR SCT025 SCT060. OTLK...VFR.
.
ATLC SWRN NEW YORK FIR...SAN JUAN FIR NW OF CDFNT...SCT025 SCT060. LYR OCNL BKN. TOP 120. ISOL SHRA.
OTLK...VFR.
VCNTY CDFNT...SCT025 BKN060. OCNL BKN025. TOP 120. WDLY SCT SHRA. ISOL TSRA TIL 20Z. OTLK...VFR SHRA.
SE OF CDFNT...SCT025 SCT060. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
ATLC MIAMI FIR SCT025 SCT060. LYR OCNL BKN. TOP 120. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
WRN PIARCO FIR...NRN MAIQUETIA FIR...CURACAO FIR BTN 61W-63W...SCT025 BKN060. OCNL BKN025. TOP 120. WDLY SCT SHRA. OTLK...VFR SHRA.
RMNDR...SCT025 SCT060. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
SANTO DOMINGO FIR...PORT-AU-PRINCE FIR SCT025 SCT060. LYR OCNL BKN. TOP 120. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
NRN BARRANQUILLA FIR...NRN PANAMA FIR SCT025 SCT060. ISOL SHRA. SFC WND NE 20-25KT. OTLK...VFR.
.
KINGSTON FIR...NERN CNTRL AMERICAN FIR...HABANA FIR SCT025 SCT060. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
ICE AND FRZLVL...
NO SGFNT ICE EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
FRZLVL... 145-170.
.
TURB...
NO SGFNT TURB EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
5.11.1.8 FA—Hawaii.
FAs issued for Hawaii cover the airspace between the surface and 45,000 ft MSL and include the following elements:
• Synopsis: A brief discussion of the significant synoptic weather affecting the FA area during the 18-hour valid period.
• Significant Clouds and Weather: A description of the significant clouds and weather for the first 12 hours of the forecast period, including the following elements:
o Cloud amount (SCT, BKN, or OVC) with bases and tops.
o Visibilities of 6 sm or less with obstruction(s) to visibility.
o Precipitation and thunderstorms.
5-76 o Sustained surface winds of 20 kts or greater.
o 12- to 18-hour categorical outlook (IFR, MVFR, or VFR), including expected precipitation and/or obstructions to visibility.
5.11.1.8.1 FA—Hawaii Example.
FAHW31 PHFO 080940 (ICAO product header) FA0HI (NWS AWIPS Communication header) .
HNLC FA 080940 (Area forecast region, product type, issuance date/time)
SYNOPSIS AND VFR CLD/WX SYNOPSIS VALID UNTIL 090400 CLD/WX VALID UNTIL 082200...OUTLOOK VALID 082200-090400 .
SEE AIRMET SIERRA FOR IFR CLD AND MT OBSC.
TS IMPLY SEV OR GREATER TURB SEV ICE LOW LEVEL WS AND IFR COND.
NON MSL HGT DENOTED BY AGL OR CIG.
.
SYNOPSIS...SFC HIGH FAR N PHNL NEARLY STNR.
.
BIG ISLAND ABOVE 060.
SKC. 20Z SCT090. OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
BIG ISLAND LOWER SLOPES...COAST AND ADJ WATERS FROM UPOLU POINT TO CAPE KUMUKAHI TO APUA POINT.
SCT030 BKN050 TOPS 080 ISOL BKN030 VIS 3-5SM -SHRA BR. 21Z SCT030 SCT-BKN050 TOPS 080 ISOL BKN030 5SM -SHRA. OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
BIG ISLAND LOWER SLOPES…COAST AND ADJ WATERS FROM APUA POINT TO SOUTH CAPE TO UPOLU POINT. SKC. 21Z SCT-BKN060 TOPS 080. 23Z SCT030 SCT- BKN060 TOPS 080 ISOL BKN030 -SHRA. OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
BIG ISLAND LOWER SLOPES…COAST AND ADJ WATERS FROM SOUTH CAPE TO PHKO TO UPOLU POINT.
SCT050 ISOL BKN050 TOPS 080. 18Z FEW050. 23Z SCT-BKN050 TOPS 080.
OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
N AND E FACING SLOPES...COAST AND ADJ WATERS OF THE REMAINING ISLANDS.
SCT020 BKN045 TOPS 070 TEMPO BKN020 VIS 3-5SM -SHRA...FM OAHU EASTWARD ISOL CIG BLW 010 AND VIS BLW 3SM SHRA BR WITH TOPS 120. 22Z SCT025 SCT-BKN050 TOPS 070 ISOL BKN025 3-5SM -SHRA. OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
REST OF AREA.
SCT035 SCT-BKN050 TOPS 070 ISOL BKN030 -SHRA. 20Z SCT050 ISOL SCT030 BKN045 TOPS 070 -SHRA. OUTLOOK...VFR
5.11.1.9 FA—Alaska.
FAs issued for Alaska cover the airspace between the surface and 45,000 ft MSL and include the following elements:
• Synopsis: A brief description of the significant synoptic weather affecting the FA area during the first 18 hours of the forecast period.
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• Significant Clouds and Weather: A description of the significant clouds and weather for each geographical zone during the first 12 hours of the forecast period, including the following elements:
o AIRMET information for IFR ceiling and visibility, mountain obscuration, and strong surface winds.
o Cloud amount (SCT, BKN, or OVC) with bases and tops.
o Visibility below 7 sm and obstruction(s) to visibility.
o Precipitation and thunderstorms.
o Surface wind greater than 20 kts.
o Mountain pass conditions using categorical terms (for selected zones only).
o 12- to 18-hour categorical outlook (VFR, MVFR and IFR).
• Icing and Freezing Level: A description of expected icing conditions including the following elements:
o AIRMET information for icing and freezing precipitation.
o Icing not meeting SIGMET or AIRMET criteria during the 6- to 12-hour period.
o Freezing level.
o If no significant icing is forecast, NIL SIG will be entered, followed by the freezing level.
• Turbulence: A description of expected turbulence conditions, including the following elements:
o AIRMET information for turbulence or LLWS.
o Turbulence not meeting SIGMET or AIRMET criteria during the 6- to 12-hour period.
o If no significant turbulence is forecast, NIL SIG will be entered.
5.11.1.9.1 FA—Alaska Example.
FAAK47 PAWU 222010 (ICAO product header) FA7H (NWS AWIPS Communication header) JNUH FA 222015 (Area forecast region, product type, issuance date/time) EASTERN GULF COAST AND SE AK...
.
AIRMETS VALID UNTIL 230415 CB IMPLY POSSIBLE SEV OR GREATER TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND IFR CONDS.
NON MSL HEIGHTS NOTED BY AGL OR CIG.
.
5-78 SYNOPSIS VALID UNTIL 231400 989 MB LOW 275 NM SE KODIAK IS WILL MOV SE WARD TO ABOUT 350 NM S PASI BY 14Z WHILE FILLING TO 998 MB. ASSOCD OCFNT ARCING E AND SE FM LOW WILL MOV ONSHR SE AK AND DSIPT BY END OF PD.
.
LYNN CANAL AND GLACIER BAY JB...VALID UNTIL 230800 ...CLOUDS/WX...
FEW025 SCT050 BKN100 TOP 120.
OTLK VALID 230800-231400...VFR.
PASSES...WHITE...CHILKOOT...VFR.
...TURB...
NIL SIG.
...ICE AND FZLVL...
NIL SIG. FZLVL 020.
.
CNTRL SE AK JC...VALID UNTIL 230800 ...CLOUDS/WX...
FEW025 SCT050 BKN100 TOP 120.
AFT 03Z ISOL BKN050 -SHRA.
OTLK VALID 230800-231400...VFR.
...TURB...
AFT 05Z SW PAFE ISOL MOD TURB BLW 040.
...ICE AND FZLVL...
NIL SIG. FZLVL 025.
.
SRN SE AK JD...VALID UNTIL 230800 ...CLOUDS/WX...
FEW025 SCT050 BKN100 TOP 120.
AFT 00Z OCNL BKN050 -RA. ISOL BKN025 -RA.
AFT 03Z SFC WND SE 25G35KT.
OTLK VALID 230800-231400...VFR.
...TURB...
AFT 02Z CLARENCE STRAIT SW ISOL MOD TURB BLW 040.
...ICE AND FZLVL...
AFT 02Z OUTER CST PAHY S ISOL MOD ICEIC 040-100. FZLVL 025.
.
5.12 Alaskan Graphical Area Forecasts (FA).
NWS’s AAWU produces a series of graphical forecasts to complement the text-based FA for Alaska (see paragraph 5.11.1). These forecasts are available from the AAWU’s Web page under Graphical FA.
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• Flying Weather.
• Surface Forecast.
• Icing Forecast.
• Turbulence Forecast.
• Convective Outlook.
Additional products may be available. Some of these may be labeled experimental and, thus, the contents and format are subject to change.
5.12.1 Issuance.
The AAWU issues the Alaskan Graphical FAs. The flying weather, icing, and turbulence forecasts are issued three times a day, approximately at 0530, 1330, and 2130 UTC during Alaska Standard Time (AKST), and 0430, 1230, and 2030 UTC during Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT). Surface Forecasts are issued four times a day, approximately at 0315, 0915, 1530, and 2130 UTC during AKST, and 0215, 0815, 1430, and 2030 UTC during AKDT. The Convective Outlook is a seasonal product and only issued from May 1st through September 30th at 1230 UTC with updates at 0430 UTC.
All forecasts are amended as needed.
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5.12.2 Content.
5.12.2.1 Flying Weather.
The Flying Weather graphic (see Figure 5-45, Alaskan Graphical Area Forecast (FA)—Flying Weather Example) illustrates areas of prevailing Marginal VFR (MVFR) or IFR conditions, strong winds (30 kts sustained or greater), and any active volcano in Alaska. This product consists of two 6-hour forecasts valid for a total of 12 hours. Each forecast specifies where such conditions can be expected within the 6-hour valid time.
Areas of occasional or continuous MVFR/IFR are represented by shaded regions (red for IFR, blue for MVFR), whereas areas of predominately VFR weather are not shaded. MVFR/IFR conditions are possible outside these shaded regions, but only isolated in coverage. Strong surface winds are shown in a circle hatch overlay. Active volcanoes are denoted by a volcano symbol at the location of the volcano.
Note: This forecast is also referred to as IFR/MVFR graphic on their website.
Figure 5-45. Alaskan Graphical Area Forecast (FA)—Flying Weather Example