Weather forecasts shape critical decisions daily. From planning your morning commute to optimizing global supply chains — forecast accuracy isn’t just preferred, it’s essential.

But what does better accuracy actually mean for those who depend on it? Let’s look at the real-world impact across industries and why The Weather Company continues to earn recognition from business leaders for its proven accuracy¹, technological innovation, and scalable solutions.

Advertising: Turning weather science into marketing ROI

Consciously or subconsciously, weather influences every aspect and decision of people’s lives – how we feel, what we try, and what we buy. Even a 1 °C increase in temperature can boost consumer spending by 1.2%.²

And it adds up: The National Retail Federation estimates that weather affects about $1 trillion in global sales annually.³ When it comes to delivering a brand message in the right moment, to the right people, the precision and accuracy of weather-targeted advertising isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must have.

In today’s cluttered ad environment, where every touchpoint counts, marketers can’t afford to waste budget or an opportunity to drive an action. Take it from Ryan Oliver, Head of Communications at EcoFlow — an emerging leader in portable power solutions: “The Weather Company’s credibility and accuracy helped us reach a highly engaged audience actively seeking solutions for weather-related outages, boosting awareness and interest in EcoFlow’s backup power solutions.”

Aviation: Better forecasts, safer flights

In aviation, forecast accuracy directly impacts safety, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Weather causes approximately 75% of all flight delays⁴, costing airlines an estimated $60 billion annually.⁵ Further, weather conditions are the source of more than 65% of injuries to passengers and crew due to turbulence.

With accurate, probabilistic forecasts, airlines can better anticipate disruptions before they happen — not just react to them. This leads to better, more efficient route planning, reduced fuel consumption, and happier passengers flying smoother skies. Take it firsthand from Nathan Polderman, Sr. Manager of Meteorology, United Airlines: “United Airlines’ operations are greatly enhanced from the accuracy of The Weather Company forecast data and the ability for their meteorologists — embedded in the United Network Operations Center — to quickly adjust and communicate nuances and uncertainties in the forecast. Precise and accurate weather forecasts are critical to United’s efforts to maintain safe and efficient operations and keep customers satisfied.”

Media: Building viewer trust

For broadcasters, forecast accuracy isn’t just about ratings — it’s the trust currency that makes viewers reach for their channel first. And in the highly competitive media landscape, trusted weather forecasts directly impact station credibility.

Consistent, accurate forecasts strengthen viewer loyalty and position the broadcast team as the authoritative weather source, whether nationally or locally. As Patrick Bigbie, Chief Meteorologist, WDAM-TV, puts it: “The Weather Company’s GRAF model is the first one I check each day when building my forecasts and presentations. I find it very reliable and trustworthy enough to share with my viewers.” Mark Nelsen, Chief Meteorologist at KPTV & KPDX Television, adds: “We’ve been using The Weather Company’s GRAF model for over five years now. Its accuracy is remarkable and I’ve learned not to second-guess it since it usually proves me wrong.”  GRAF, a proprietary global weather modeling system, is just one of the many forecasting technologies built and used at The Weather Company to drive the accuracy of our weather forecast portfolio.

Government & defense: When missions and lives are at stake

In defense operations, even minor deviations in weather forecasts can compromise asset deployment, technological capabilities, and personnel safety.

With weather intelligence that accurately predicts weather conditions on the ground and in the air, military personnel teams can better prepare for the operating conditions they’ll face in the field. This preparation allows for tactical adjustments that create strategic advantage. When adversaries rely on less accurate or incomplete information, your enhanced weather awareness becomes a decisive operational edge.

Not all forecasts are created equal

Many claim it, but only one forecaster can prove it: The Weather Company is the world’s most accurate forecaster.⁶ Delivering this level of accuracy doesn’t happen by chance. It requires a unique approach to weather forecasting that only The Weather Company has pioneered and continues to perfect.

Since our inception nearly five decades ago, we’ve combined human, meteorological expertise with proprietary, state-of-the-science technologies and AI to provide accurate forecasts and scalable solutions for people and businesses alike. And with that accuracy comes trust – trust that has earned us the distinction of being the most trusted weather provider and one of the top 15 most trusted brands among all adults in 2025.⁷

Solutions to thrive in the face of impactful weather

Accurate weather data helps instill confidence, drive decision-making, and propel the world forward. That’s why we’re committed to continuous innovation of current and future solutions, including:

• Weather Data APIs: We deliver real-time and historical weather data that provides high-resolution, continuously-updated, and hyper-local intelligence.
• Consumer experiences: Consumer experiences: We’re trusted by more than 330 million people each month across all digital properties, including weather.com and The Weather Channel app.⁸  The Weather Channel app stands as the #1 most downloaded weather app in the U.S, a daily habit for over 50 million people.⁹
• Enterprise solutions: Our solutions power decisions for 2,000+ enterprise customers across media (600+ broadcast stations), aviation (25,000+ flights per day), government, defense, agriculture, insurance, automotive, retail, CPG, pharma, energy, and beyond.

The best of both worlds: Human expertise + AI precision

We combine human meteorological expertise with advanced AI to create forecasting capabilities that neither could achieve alone:

• Human-guided, AI-powered approach: 100+ meteorologists collaborate with our AI systems through a “human over the loop” model, combining decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver fresh, precise, more accurate, and actionable forecasts.
• Scientific collaboration: Our ongoing work and dialogue with the broader scientific community includes NCAR, UCAR, and NOAA, accelerating our innovation while advancing capabilities for everyone.
• Technological rigor: We process 75+ billion terabytes of data daily across 100+ forecast models to create 25+ billion personalized, on-demand forecasts for 2.2 billion global locations. As part of that technology stack, our proprietary, high-precision weather modeling system, GRAF, provides hourly updates that can predict events as small as a thunderstorm virtually anywhere on the planet.

When weather shapes decisions, accuracy is the only option

For decisions that affect people and businesses everywhere, you need forecasts you can count on every time.

The question isn’t whether you can afford accurate weather intelligence, but whether you can afford to be without it. It’s your turn: Discover how our unmatched forecast accuracy can transform your business outcomes.

Weather is one of the most significant factors affecting airport efficiency, often leading to costly delays, flight cancellations, and logistical bottlenecks. While traditional forecasting methods provide a general outlook, they lack the precision needed for dynamic airport operations. Advanced weather intelligence from The Weather Company is changing that, offering predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making tools that help aviation leaders minimize disruptions.

By integrating cutting-edge airport operations technology, airports can proactively respond to aviation weather conditions, to help improve everything from runway management to gate assignments. With more accurate forecasts, airlines and ground crews can better anticipate adverse weather and airports can function more smoothly, leading to better passenger experiences and operational savings.

The impact of weather on airport operations

Weather is responsible for a significant portion of air travel disruptions. According to industry data, 74% of flight delays exceeding 15 minutes can be directly attributed to weather-related issues.¹ Snow, thunderstorms, turbulence, and low visibility can halt or slow down airport activity, creating a ripple effect that affects airlines, ground crews, and passengers.

The consequences of these disruptions are costly. In 2024, travelers lost more than 20 minutes to taxi-out times at some of the nation’s biggest airports, with LaGuardia topping the list at 23 minutes.²  These delays not only inconvenience passengers but also contribute to excessive fuel burn and increased emissions. Inefficient ground operations and flight delays can cost airlines millions annually, making airport operations optimization a key priority.

How predictive analytics optimizes airport efficiency

Our advanced airport operations technology leverages predictive analytics to help airports better prepare for and respond to aviation weather conditions. Unlike traditional weather monitoring systems, predictive analytics can provide highly detailed, location-specific insights that allow airports to make proactive operational decisions.

For example, predictive analytics can help optimize runway usage by forecasting when storms or snow will impact airport operations. Rather than reacting to adverse conditions as they occur, airports can deploy de-icing teams in advance, re-evaluate ATFM slots based on expected delays, and provide alternative landing paths to minimize holding patterns. These proactive measures significantly reduce disruptions, allowing flights to stay on schedule even in challenging weather conditions.

Industry research suggests that with more accurate and timely weather predictions, airports could prevent as many as two-thirds of weather-related delays and cancellations.³ By integrating predictive analytics into their decision-making processes, aviation leaders can transform weather from an operational obstacle into a manageable factor.

Real-time weather monitoring for smarter decision making

In addition to predictive analytics, real-time weather monitoring from The Weather Company plays a crucial role in airport operations efficiency. While long-term forecasts help with planning, live weather data is essential for managing day-to-day airport logistics.

Global Surface Movement within Maverick™ Dispatch provides this critical data. This critical feature provides continuous, high-resolution monitoring of runway conditions, arrival and departure trends, and taxiway congestion. With this data, dispatchers and pilots can better coordinate pushback and taxiing, reducing unnecessary delays and improving fuel efficiency.

GSM quickly visualizes ramp, taxiway, and runway conditions

For instance, by tracking real-time runway conditions, dispatchers can better determine whether an aircraft will soon be cleared for takeoff. This allows pilots to decide whether to taxi using only one engine, conserving fuel if a longer wait is expected. At high-traffic airports where taxi-out delays can exceed 30 minutes, such optimizations lead to significant cost savings and lower carbon emissions.

Real-time weather monitoring also enables airports to adjust operations as conditions change. If an unexpected thunderstorm develops near a major hub, air traffic controllers can adjust arrival sequences to minimize airborne holding, reducing fuel waste and passenger delays. The ability to adapt quickly to shifting aviation weather conditions is key to maintaining efficient and resilient airport operations.

Airport operations technology that leverages weather intelligence

The latest advancements in airport operations technology rely on weather intelligence to improve efficiency and minimize delays. Maverick Dispatch is a prime example, providing real-time weather insights that enhance flight scheduling, ground movement, and air traffic management.

Maverick Dispatch integrates high-resolution weather data with operational workflows, helping airports anticipate and respond to changing conditions. Key features include:

• Analytics toolkit: AI models like terminal airspace convection risk (TrACR) overlay, airport arrival rate (AAR), and airport departure rate (ADR) bring critical weather intelligence directly into operational workflows.
• IROPs management: Gate-to-gate flight tracking with real-time IROP event updates visualizes weather impacts for proactive flight management during disruptions for faster, efficient responses.
• NOTAM viewer: Supports operational awareness by enabling users to input specific airports or airspaces and quickly retrieve applicable Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). These alerts can be grouped by type — such as runway closures, airspace restrictions, or navigational aids — and filtered by issuance time or validity period. The result is stronger situational awareness and quicker, more informed decisions in complex environments.

Additionally, automated de-icing systems now use predictive weather insights to determine the optimal time to deploy de-icing crews. This prevents excessive delays while helping promote aircraft safety in winter weather conditions. As taxi-out times and runway congestion continue to challenge major airports, integrating these weather-driven technologies will be essential for improving overall efficiency.

Predictive airport intelligence gives visibility into taxiway impacts

The role of aircraft weather forecasts in passenger safety

Beyond operational efficiency, aircraft weather forecasts play a crucial role in passenger safety and comfort. Unexpected turbulence, wind shear, and convective storms can pose risks to passengers and crew members, making accurate weather forecasting essential for smooth and safe flights. Our aviation solutions platform helps you maintain your commitment to safety through features such as:

• Total Turbulence Alerting: Provides real-time updates on turbulence intensity, allowing pilots to adjust altitude or flight paths before encountering rough air. This proactive approach enhances passenger comfort while significantly reducing the risk of in-flight injuries. Between 2009 and 2023, 79% of serious turbulence-related injuries involved crew members, highlighting the need for better turbulence-avoidance tools.⁴
• Global High-Resolution Atmospheric Forecasting (GRAF^®) system: Delivers hyper-localized forecasts with three times the resolution of conventional models. By providing detailed insights into convection, precipitation, and wind patterns, GRAF helps pilots make better-informed routing decisions. This reduces the likelihood of weather-related diversions and delays, contributing to a smoother travel experience for passengers.
• Runway Visual Range (RVR) forecast: Plays a vital role in flight safety by providing visibility data for takeoffs and landings. When combined with predictive analytics and real-time monitoring, these tools allow pilots and air traffic controllers to make informed decisions on instrument landing system minimums, minimizing disruptions and keeping flights operating safely.

Easily access forecast conditions and quickly see how the forecast has been changing over time

A more efficient future for weather and airports

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, integrating advanced weather intelligence into airport operations will be key to improving efficiency and reducing delays. With the right airport operations technology, airports can anticipate and respond to aviation weather conditions more effectively, optimizing flight schedules, minimizing fuel waste, and enhancing passenger safety.

By leveraging predictive analytics, real-time weather monitoring, and high-resolution aircraft weather forecasts from the world’s most accurate forecaster,⁵ aviation leaders can transform how weather and airports interact. These innovations will not only lead to smoother operations but also create a more resilient and efficient air travel experience for airlines, crews, and passengers alike.

With the right tools, airports can turn weather challenges into opportunities for smarter, more sustainable aviation.

The promise of on-time arrival hangs in the balance with every departure. Airlines follow tight schedules, so even small delays can cause bigger problems. A single disruption can push back flights, use up extra resources, and affect passengers. But the skies are full of changing weather that can turn an easy flight into a risky one. Turbulence, sudden wind changes, and surprise storms can make planning difficult and create serious safety concerns.

Airlines must manage these risks to keep passengers and crews safe while staying on schedule. That’s where real-time aviation weather risk management comes into play. By using advanced weather data from The Weather Company, airlines can better predict dangers, change flight paths when needed, and help make travel safer and smoother for everyone on board.

The importance of weather intelligence in aviation

Airlines deal with many weather challenges that can delay flights, affect safety, and increase costs. Risk management in aviation is crucial for addressing issues such as turbulence, icing, thunderstorms, and even volcanic ash clouds. Thunderstorms – especially those common in spring and summer – can rapidly intensify, bringing lightning, hail, and heavy rain that disrupt schedules and pose serious safety risks. Volcanic ash clouds are less frequent but far more dangerous; ash particles can damage aircraft engines and sensors in minutes, sometimes without any visual cues. Together, hazards like these highlight how weather plays a major role in flight safety – contributing to 39% of aviation accidents between 2008 and 2022, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).¹

Turbulence is a leading cause of in-flight injuries. It accounts for the majority of injuries in commercial airline accidents, with cabin crew comprising nearly 80% of those injured, according to the NTSB.² Total Turbulence Alerting provides airlines with real-time aviation weather turbulence tracking, enabling them to monitor turbulence intensity along planned flight paths. For a flight from London to New York, pilots who get turbulence updates over the Atlantic can change altitude or reroute to smoother air.

Leveraging real-time data for enhanced safety

Severe weather events, particularly during hurricane season and training thunderstorms in the summer, pose significant threats to flight operations. According to the FAA, weather-related delays account for more than 74% of global flight delays, impacting both schedules and costs.³ The Weather Company’s Tropical Storm Tables with forecasted track, equip flight dispatchers with real-time updates on storm trajectories and intensities, allowing them to adjust flight paths proactively. This level of preparedness helps flights avoid hazardous areas, reducing the likelihood of cancellations, diversions, or, worse, accidents.

Similarly, aviation weather reports on icing conditions are vital for flights over colder regions. Icing can decrease an aircraft’s lift, increase drag, and ultimately compromise safety. Using predictive analytics – including Forecast Icing Potential and HIWC (high ice water content) Forecast – The Weather Company alerts airlines to potential icing zones. For instance, if a flight from Chicago to Denver is expected to encounter icing conditions over the Rockies, crews can be advised to activate de-icing measures or adjust cruising altitudes. This proactive approach helps maintain aerodynamics, improving flight safety and efficiency, even in challenging weather.

Managing volcanic ash and space weather

While less frequent, volcanic ash clouds pose severe risks to aviation safety. Ash particles can damage engines within minutes. Repair costs can reach significant amounts depending on the severity of the incident. Imagine a volcanic eruption near Southeast Asia, releasing ash into the atmosphere. The Weather Company’s volcanic ash tracking tools provide real-time alerts to reroute flights, avoiding volcanic ash flight disruption and protecting aircraft engines.

In addition to terrestrial weather, space weather events, such as solar flares, can disrupt communication systems and GPS signals and expose passengers and crew to solar radiation. While rare, these disruptions can be serious, especially for long-haul flights over remote regions. The Weather Company works with the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), an entity of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration located in Boulder, CO, to provide solar activity forecasts that inform operational planning and issue space weather advisories during impactful events.

Wind shear and sudden wind shifts

Wind shear and unexpected wind shifts, especially during critical phases like takeoffs and landings, can challenge even the most experienced pilots. Airports like Hong Kong International are known for their difficult wind conditions. Airlines receive real-time updates on wind patterns through METARs (current conditions) and TAFs (forecast conditions), which are accessible in Maverick^TM Dispatch for streamlined access in dispatcher workflows. This helps pilots adjust their approaches and reduce the risk of hard landings or go-arounds. Not only does this enhance safety, but it also helps airlines avoid costly hard landing inspections that lead to aircraft downtime and reduce unnecessary fuel burn caused by go-arounds.

The strategic value of predictive analytics

Real-time weather data doesn’t only help with immediate dangers – it also makes flights more efficient. By leveraging tools like Pilotbrief^® and Maverick Dispatch, airlines optimize flight routes by using accurate weather for flight path planning, take advantage of favorable wind conditions, and reduce fuel consumption. In fact, improving flight planning through advanced weather insights can significantly cut fuel burn and emissions.

Fuel efficiency

For a deeper look at how airlines can realize these savings, explore our guide on improving airline fuel efficiency with advanced weather insights. Weather-related operational disruptions are increasing, with Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) delays in Europe rising from an average of 0.13 minutes per flight in 2011 to 0.54 minutes in 2023, totaling 90,000 hours of delays.⁴

Maintenance planning

Predictive analytics also aids in maintenance planning. By minimizing exposure to turbulence and extreme weather, airlines can reduce unplanned maintenance costs. Weather delays as a proportion of total flight delays have increased from around 11% in 2012 to nearly 30% in 2023.⁵ In fact, the number of reports of large hail and heavy rain captured in the European Severe Weather Database rose by 18% in 2023 compared to 2022, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather on aviation.⁶ These disruptions have significant cost implications for airlines, travelers, and the environment.

Predictive measures are a vital part of keeping operations efficient and protecting profits. In addition to weather analytics, The Weather Company also supports airlines through advanced airport arrival and departure capacity modeling and surface insights that accounts for weather-driven constraints. These models help predict how storms or wind shifts will impact runway configurations, arrival rates, and departure flows for better planning and fewer last-minute delays.

Improving passenger experience through weather intelligence

Beyond safety and efficiency, effective aviation weather risk management can significantly enhance the passenger experience. For instance, by using real-time weather insights to reroute flights away from areas of turbulence, airlines can offer smoother and more comfortable journeys.

Moreover, anticipating weather-related disruptions allows airlines to communicate proactively with passengers and enables them to adjust their plans – whether by leaving home later or spending more time enjoying their trip – instead of waiting at the gate in frustration. Whether adjusting schedules to avoid storms or managing delays due to low visibility at busy airports, leveraging weather data helps airlines build trust with their customers by demonstrating a commitment to safety and reliability.

Navigating the future of aviation with The Weather Company

Accurate, real-time weather data is essential in aviation, where even small disruptions can be costly. GRAF^® (Global High-Resolution Atmospheric Forecasting) delivers weather predictions six times faster and at three times the resolution of leading models. Within Maverick Dispatch, airlines gain access to advanced GRAF layers that offer deeper insights into rapidly evolving conditions, supporting faster and more informed operational decisions. Total Turbulence Alerting also provides expert insights to help pilots navigate rough conditions.

Predictive weather analytics from the world’s most accurate forecaster,⁷ can help airlines plan better routes, lower costs, and keep flights safe. Aviation solutions from The Weather Company help aviation leaders handle everyday challenges and rare extreme weather events to stay resilient in a competitive industry.

The aviation industry is bracing for a potential storm of escalating tariffs, and while increased costs are a concern, the real turbulence may lie elsewhere. According to Ravi Vanmali, VP of Aviation at The Weather Company, one of the most significant aviation supply chain challenges will likely be the growing fragility of the global aircraft parts network. As Ravi explains, “From our perspective, the most significant impact is in the intricate global supply chain of aircraft parts.”

Adding to these concerns is the possibility of retaliatory tariffs impacting the movement of aircraft themselves. The potential for the return of aircraft introduces significant uncertainty in airline fleet management and expansion. Ravi points out, “These uncertainties in aircraft movement only amplify the existing concerns around access to critical spare parts due to tariffs.”

The weather wildcard: Amplifying maintenance challenges in a tariff climate

This disruption in the parts supply chain takes on a new level of significance when coupled with the growing impact of weather on aviation due to more intense weather patterns. Consider this:

Severe weather and increased wear and tear: Severe weather, turbulence, and dust can accelerate wear and tear leading to increased maintenance. If replacement parts are delayed or unavailable due to tariffs and supply chain disruptions, the consequences can be significant.

Hard landings and mandatory inspections: Hard landings, which can be triggered by challenging weather conditions, require mandatory inspections and potential repairs. When access to parts is constrained, grounding an aircraft for extended periods becomes a far greater operational and financial risk.

Airlines at a crossroads: Integrating weather into strategic planning

According to Ravi, potential tariff impacts and erratic weather conditions will drive a significant shift in airline operations. “From what we’re seeing,” Vanmali notes, “operations teams will need to increasingly integrate detailed weather outlooks into the planning phase of flight operations.” He emphasizes that “this proactive consideration of weather risks will allow airlines to make more informed decisions about scheduling and routing,” ultimately bolstering their resilience in a challenging environment.

The importance of accurate weather intelligence

In this evolving landscape, the need for the most accurate and reliable weather information becomes paramount. This is where aviation solutions from The Weather Company, the world’s most accurate forecaster,² can play an even more critical role in operational resilience. Our recent research confirms the vital role of weather intelligence in airline operations. In fact, 100% of airline executives surveyed affirm its value to their business.³ They specifically cite using it for:

• Informing route planning
• Planning supply and fuel levels according to anticipated weather conditions
• Supporting disaster preparedness and response planning
• Enhancing customer engagement through personalized weather-related communications during travel disruptions

Meeting critical needs of modern airlines

This reliance on weather intelligence, already crucial, becomes even more pronounced in an era of tariff-related supply chain vulnerabilities. Airlines are seeking solutions that:

• Aggregate multiple data points into a single operational tool for use pre-flight and en route.
• Include a comprehensive range of aviation weather information, including wind, turbulence, visibility, icing, lightning, convection, precipitation, volcanic ash, jet stream shifts, NOTAMs, and Airspace Restrictions.
• Accurately predict weather patterns ahead of flight times.
• Offer filtering by weather type and precise location, with real-time updates.

The Weather Company’s aviation solutions can help meet these critical needs and navigate both weather and tariff-related challenges, including:

• Reliable and actionable weather insights: High-resolution forecasts offer the accuracy needed to help make informed decisions about routing and scheduling. These insights help to enhance flight safety and operational efficiency while minimizing the likelihood of encountering severe weather that could result in increased maintenance and costs.
• Long-range outlooks for strategic planning: Integrating longer-term weather outlooks into the planning phase allows airlines to proactively identify potential periods of heightened weather risk and adjust schedules accordingly. This helps improve overall safety and mitigates the chances of preventable repairs.
• Real-time alerts and monitoring: Our timely weather alerts enable quick flight and operational adjustments to reduce disruptions while maintaining safety.
• Historical weather data for risk assessment: Weather and maintenance data analysis helps identify high-risk routes and seasons, improving safety and fleet deployment.

Building resilience in a tariff-sensitive environment

Airlines need a new level of operational agility and foresight to handle tariffs, supply chain uncertainties, and weather risks. Advanced weather intelligence helps reduce repairs, ease maintenance amid parts shortages, and build operational resilience.

The Weather Company is here to provide the actionable weather insights you’ll need to navigate this new era. Together, we can help your business thrive in the face of evolving global challenges.

Aviation fleet operations depend on accuracy and efficiency, yet dispatchers face challenges. Disconnected data sources, outdated systems, over-alerting, and complex workflows make their jobs harder than ever. These hurdles aren’t about inconvenience — they impact airline costs, safety, and even customer satisfaction.

The solution: Maverick Dispatch. Powered by The Weather Company’s Weather Forecast Services, this innovative flight-tracking experience integrates cutting-edge weather intelligence into dispatch workflows. As a result, aviation leaders gain actionable insights without operational disruptions. To deliver these advantages, Maverick Dispatch was designed with input from global airline experts. Through this approach, it seamlessly combines advanced tools — terminal airspace convection risk (TrACR), Global Surface Movement (GSM), and airport capacity and taxi time modeling — into one unified experience. Together, these features create context-driven workflows that transform fleet operations from ground to air.

The perfect storm: aviation dispatch challenges

Dispatchers manage countless variables, from airspace congestion to rapidly changing weather, leading to information overload. Despite the availability of modern forecasting tools, they often encounter:

• Alert fatigue: Traditional systems generate a flood of notifications lacking context or priority. Dispatchers waste time filtering through irrelevant data, delaying critical decisions.

• Fragmented workflows: Dispatchers often toggle between multiple tools to access flight data, forecasts, and operational alerts. The constant switching adds complexity and cognitive load while increasing the risk of oversight.

• Outdated interfaces: Legacy platforms provide data in disjointed, hard-to-read formats. Quick decisions become difficult in critical moments when data is hard to interpret.

The ripple effects can be far-reaching. Delayed responses to weather disruptions can cascade into flight cancellations, diversions, and turbulence encounters. Maverick Dispatch tackles these problems head-on.

Cut through the noise: context-driven alerts when they matter most

Alert fatigue creates distractions rather than solutions. With Maverick Dispatch, operation teams experience a focused, context-driven alerting system inside a single dashboard for consolidation. Likewise, Condition Manager lets airlines set custom alert thresholds to fit their needs. On the ground, GSM improves aviation dispatch awareness with advanced Surface Analytics that track real-time conditions — helping dispatchers optimize taxiing, de-icing programs, and tarmac congestion during adverse weather situations.

From reactive to predictive: elevating safety and decision making

Safety in aviation hinges on accurate, timely information. Maverick Dispatch can help teams stay ahead of risks like turbulence, thunderstorms, and low visibility through AI-powered tools such as TrACR, airport capacity insights, and dynamic taxi-time risk, which bring critical weather intelligence directly into dispatch workflows. A closer look:

Predictive airport intelligence visualizes weather impacts for proactive flight management.

• TrACR: Detects and displays convection risks, like thunderstorms near flight paths, enabling early intervention.
• Airport capacity insights: show past metrics and forecast aircraft arrival and departure activity, helping dispatchers adjust schedules and optimize landing slots during high demand.

For instance, during a storm at a major hub, TrACR can highlight specific flights impacted by convection risks in the terminal airspace. Irrelevant details are filtered out. Therefore, dispatchers can quickly access Flight Rules, Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METARs), Terminal Area Forecast (TAFs), and airport arrival rate (AAR) via the airport’s drop-down menu for quick decision-making.

By supporting smarter decisions during both routine operations and Irregular Operations (IROPs), Maverick Dispatch can optimize routes, reduce delays, and fuel burn — adding up to tangible cost savings. These AI-driven insights can also improve passenger satisfaction by enabling smoother, more reliable operations.

Designed with dispatchers, for dispatchers

Maverick Dispatch emerged from continuous collaboration with global airline experts and customers, incorporating continuous feedback into every aspect of the experience. The result is an intuitive design that streamlines aviation dispatch operations and eliminates complexity. Built on a flexible SaaS platform, it also reduces IT burdens and speeds up feature updates, allowing dispatchers to stay focused.

Some of the additional key features and user-focused benefits include:

• Consolidated flight panels: Deliver relevant flight data and alerts in a single, intuitive interface.
• Interactive mapping: Weather overlays, including GRAF^® layers, create a dynamic, high-resolution visual platform for situational awareness.
• Actionable alert dashboards: Consolidate alerts into a single view to help dispatchers prioritize critical information.
• Weather layer suggestions: Offer automated, context-driven data overlays to surface the most relevant information for decision making.
• Rapid updates and feature flags: New feature updates, enhancements, and training can be deployed through the SaaS platform quickly and on demand.
• Centralized meteorology tools: Specialized aviation forecasts and tools, like TAFs, METARs, and the upcoming “ask a meteorologist” feature, provide on-demand support for complex weather scenarios.

Ready to transform dispatch operations?

Aviation leaders face pressure to improve efficiency and safety while keeping up with industry demands. Maverick Dispatch offers a solution built for the future that lets dispatchers make smarter decisions faster.

Weather intelligence is aviation intelligence. See how Maverick Dispatch not only simplifies decision making, but also strengthens operational resilience. Take the first step toward safer, more efficient fleet management from runway to airspace.

Get an insider’s look: watch our product launch event replay

Ready for an exclusive preview of our exciting product functionality, including contextual alerting and workflow insights? Watch a replay of the Maverick Dispatch launch event today.

Every year on March 23, World Meteorological Day commemorates the founding of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and highlights the vital role meteorology has played in improving both daily life and long-term planning. It’s also a moment to reflect on how far the science of weather prediction has come and where it’s heading.

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization in 2025, this year’s theme – “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together” – is more relevant than ever. As extreme weather events intensify, continued innovation in meteorology is essential.

The evolution of meteorology over these 75 years has been remarkable. In the 1950s, forecasts could barely predict 24 hours ahead with reasonable accuracy. Today, a five-day forecast is as accurate as a one-day forecast was in the 1980s.¹  Hurricane track predictions have improved dramatically – the average three-day track error has decreased from over 300 miles in 1990 to less than 100 miles today.²

Now, artificial intelligence is taking the meteorological world by storm, and while it’s still early days, it shows immense promise when combined with foundational approaches and human expertise to solve some of the most exciting and challenging forecasting problems we face.

At The Weather Company, we’ve maintained an unwavering commitment to advancing meteorological science as the world’s most accurate forecaster.³ Through innovative technology and strategic partnerships, we’re striving to transform how people, businesses, and society understand, prepare for, and respond to weather.

Evolving our Global High-Resolution Atmospheric Forecasting System (GRAF)

A core component of our forecasting capabilities is the Global High-Resolution Atmospheric Forecasting System (GRAF), our proprietary weather modeling system that operates six times faster, updates six times more frequently, and has three times the resolution of competing models. This high frequency, high resolution approach helps detect sudden shifts in weather patterns anywhere around the globe, critical for people navigating day-to-day weather decisions as well as in industries like aviation, energy, and disaster response.

Developed in partnership with the U.S. National Research Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) and NVIDIA, GRAF plays a role in many of the most important forecast products and weather insights we deliver. Additionally, most improvements we make to GRAF are placed back in open-source, improving access to world-class forecasting capabilities for all.

Today, we are enhancing GRAF through a first-of-its-kind implementation of the Joint Effort for Data assimilation Integration (JEDI) data assimilation system in partnership with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). This advanced approach significantly improves our ability to understand the current state of the atmosphere – the critical starting point for any forecast – by intelligently integrating a broader set of weather data and observations to paint a more accurate picture.

With JEDI, we will enhance our predictions and allow for improved early warnings of impactful weather, while also creating a stronger foundation to fuel the development of emerging AI methodologies.

New frontiers in AI

It’s impossible to discuss advancements in weather prediction without recognizing artificial intelligence’s transformative role. AI has been used in forecasting for decades, but today, a new breed of Deep Learning based AI models (DL-NWP) are showing the potential to improve the accuracy and granularity of predictions made by traditional models like GRAF.

One example of how this work is coming to life can be seen in our partnership with NVIDIA: together, we are developing a first-of-its-kind, kilometer-scale, AI-based numerical weather prediction model, trained with forecast data generated by GRAF.

AI also enables significantly more cost-effective forecast modelling. This efficiency opens the door to running not just one model at a time to make predictions, but hundreds or thousands, each with slightly different inputs or configurations, otherwise known as “ensemble forecasting.” The result is a comprehensive range of possible weather scenarios, rather than a single prediction, painting a much more complete picture of weather’s uncertainty. This ensemble approach, greatly enhanced by the advent of AI models, forms the foundation of what may be meteorology’s next great leap: probabilistic forecasting.

Beyond certainty: Probabilistic forecasting

Weather forecasts have traditionally been communicated with implied certainty: “Tomorrow will be 27°F with a 20% chance of snow.” This is known as deterministic forecasting, which provides a single, most-likely prediction of future weather.

Probabilistic forecasting changes the game, replacing single-value predictions with ranges and confidence levels of different outcomes. For example, if the 20% chance of snow mentioned above is associated with a blizzard that might pass nearby, the deterministic forecast may not give individuals the level of information they need to make important decisions. Probabilistic forecasting tells us more: while the most likely outcome is that the blizzard referenced above passes south of a certain location, there is still a 20% chance it will veer north and make a direct hit. And, if it does, there could be over a foot of snow, and even a 10% chance of two feet. Armed with that extra depth of information, one might make very different decisions, such as postponing a planned weekend drive to a time with less risk of hazardous conditions.

Beyond the implications for individuals, this approach transforms decision-making for business leaders. Imagine a shipping and logistics company responsible for transporting temperature-sensitive goods planning a cross-country shipment. A deterministic forecast might indicate a 60% chance of relatively benign weather posing little risk to that shipment. A probabilistic forecast might indicate the same, but also tell us there is a 30% chance of weather hot enough to impact the integrity of shipment and a 10% chance of temperatures that would result in a complete loss of that shipment. Knowing this, the company might choose to delay transport – even though the deterministic forecast indicates limited risk.

The potential applications go on and on:

• Aviation: Airlines can adjust fuel loads based on the probability of thunderstorms at the destination airport causing aircraft to circle around before landing.

• Agriculture: Farmers can make smarter decisions about irrigation and pest control timing based on accurate weather probabilities.

• Insurance: Providers can issue timely alerts to homeowners about impending hail or flooding based on customers’ tolerance to different levels of risk.

This approach acknowledges the inherent uncertainty in weather prediction by providing more nuanced, actionable intelligence for complex business decisions. The result is better risk management, resource allocation, and ultimately, competitive advantage. By embracing probabilistic forecasting, we aren’t just forecasting weather – we’re forecasting decisions, driven by data and fueled by AI, to create a more resilient future.

The power of partnerships: Advancing weather science together

No organization advances meteorology alone. Innovation thrives through collaboration, which is why we work with the brightest minds in science and technology to push the boundaries of weather forecasting. Our partnerships with UCAR, NOAA, NVIDIA, and numerous other scientific and technology organizations exemplify the collaborative spirit of this year’s World Meteorological Day theme and are absolutely core to the work we do every day. 

As we pioneer the next generation of forecasts, our commitment remains unchanged: delivering the most accurate, science-driven weather information to help people, businesses, and communities around the globe make better decisions. On this World Meteorological Day, as we celebrate 75 years of progress, we also look ahead to the future, where advancements like probabilistic forecasting will empower society to navigate increasingly volatile weather patterns with greater confidence. 

Ultimately, together with scientists and innovators worldwide, we’re shaping a world where weather resilience is stronger than ever.

Modernizing aviation safety with weather intelligence

Every takeoff, every landing, and every mile flown is governed by one of aviation’s most challenging variables: the weather. From turbulence to dense fog, weather conditions profoundly shape the aviation experience, impacting schedules, costs, and, most importantly, aviation safety. According to OPSNET data, approximately 74% of flight delays exceeding 15 minutes are directly attributable to weather-related factors.¹ Weather is more than an operational challenge; it’s a fundamental safety priority.

To combat these challenges, airlines are turning to advanced weather technology that empowers decision-makers with real-time insights and predictive weather analytics. Tools such as turbulence tracking and volcanic ash detection are helping aviation professionals reduce risks, strengthen safety protocols, and improve efficiency across all phases of flight. The Weather Company’s innovative aviation weather solutions demonstrate how weather intelligence can transform aviation operations, enabling smoother skies and safer outcomes.

The following sections explore the tools, data, and technologies reshaping aviation safety today. From highlighting the key risks posed by weather to uncovering cutting-edge innovations, the industry is rising to the challenge of managing weather’s impact. Understanding these advancements is essential for today’s aviation operations leaders when navigating severe storms or adjusting for turbulence mid-flight.

Key weather risks in aviation operations

In aviation, weather can pose risks ranging from operational disruptions to life-threatening hazards. Understanding the specific challenges posed by different weather conditions is critical to maintaining aviation safety and operations. Each meteorological phenomenon requires precise strategies and advanced weather technology to mitigate its impact.

Weather has been identified as contributing to approximately 22% of aviation accidents between 2008 and 2022, according to an aviation safety report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).² By addressing these risks with advanced weather technology, airlines can strengthen safety protocols and maintain operational reliability.

Turbulence

Pilotbrief allows pilots to visualize SkyPath turbulence reports along their flight path, enabling quick route adjustments for smoother flights.

Pilotbrief allows pilots to visualize SkyPath turbulence reports along their flight path, enabling quick route adjustments for smoother flights.

Turbulence remains one of the leading causes of in-flight injuries. Between 2009 and 2023, 79% of serious turbulence-related injuries involved crew members, predominantly flight attendants.³ Clear air turbulence can occur without visible warning, making predictive weather analytics essential for preemptive route adjustments. For example, The Weather Company’s Total Turbulence Alerting provides pilots with live updates on turbulence intensity, helping them adjust routes to keep flights safer, more efficient, and more comfortable for passengers and crew.

Volcanic ash

While less frequent than turbulence, volcanic ash poses a uniquely dangerous risk. Ash particles can damage engines within minutes, often leading to significant repair costs and operational delays. The Weather Company’s volcanic ash detection tools provide immediate alerts that allow airlines to reroute flights and avoid hazardous zones. Enhanced volcanic ash SIGMET notifications are triggered when ash clouds extend beyond thresholds, such as 6,000 feet above a volcano or 10,000 feet above ground. These tools not only protect passengers and aircraft but also minimize costly disruptions.

Wind shear and fog

Wind shear — a sudden change in wind speed or direction — can jeopardize takeoffs and landings, two of the most critical phases of flight. Similarly, dense fog reduces visibility, frequently causing delays at major airports. Fog-related disruptions contribute significantly to holding patterns, increasing both fuel consumption and carbon emissions. By integrating weather intelligence, airlines can better prepare for these conditions, supporting safer operations.

Thunderstorms and extreme weather

Thunderstorms are among the most disruptive weather events, bringing turbulence, lightning, and wind shear. These conditions can cause significant operational challenges, from delays to rerouting. Advanced convective risk technologies allow airlines to predict and navigate around these storms, reducing disruptions and maintaining safe operations.

The power of a weather strategy

So, what exactly is a weather strategy? A weather strategy is a savvy, data-driven approach that harnesses the power of cutting-edge weather data science and AI to optimize business processes, personalize marketing efforts, and gain an enterprise advantage. It’s about transforming weather from a risk factor into a strategic ally. 

According to a recent research study of nearly 300 executives across the retail, CPG, pharmaceutical, insurance, and travel & tourism industries:

Future-proof your business with The Weather Company

As businesses look to the future, integrating weather intelligence into long-term planning is a must. At The Weather Company, we offer unparalleled forecasting capabilities and weather intelligence that enable businesses to thrive in the face of changing weather patterns. With over 40 years of expertise in weather data science, we’ve become the world’s most accurate forecaster,⁴ a distinction that sets us apart from other providers. Our commitment to innovation and accuracy has earned us the trust of consumers and businesses around the globe.⁵

Beyond accurate forecasts, we provide scalable, proven solutions for consumers and businesses alike. Businesses tapping into these weather insights will be better positioned to anticipate consumer needs and tailor their offerings.

• Our weather intelligence platform and AI provide the precision and scalability your business process optimization needs to stay ahead.
• Weather Targeting enables advertisers to deliver personalized, relevant messaging that resonates with their audience in real time across the digital ecosystem.
• Premium consumer experiences across The Weather Channel digital properties help marketers engage with consumers at scale in meaningful moments to help them live healthier, safer, smarter, and happier.

A robust weather strategy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Let’s work together to create a weather strategy that drives your business forward. 

Weather forecasts have been around since the beginning of civilization, when humans used recurring meteorological and astronomical events to better monitor weather patterns and plan for seasonal changes. Initially based on (mostly inaccurate) observations of the sky, wind, and temperature, these forecasts have thankfully evolved into more advanced and reliable ones.

Incorporating technology into weather forecasting began in the 1700s with the development of the barometer and thermometer. These basic yet advanced tools not only paved the way for more accurate weather predictions but also inspired generations of weather enthusiasts interested in advancing the science.

Today, individuals and businesses alike rely on accurate weather forecasting to anticipate severe weather and drive daily decision making. But how truly reliable are weather forecasts?

To understand the reliability, it’s crucial to first define what constitutes an accurate forecast.

What is accurate weather forecasting?

An accurate weather forecast is a measure of how closely the forecast matches reality. To produce an accurate forecast, scientists combine complex data analysis, modeling, and human expertise. Forecasts can range from short-term to long-range predictions, each with varying degrees of accuracy.

Short-range weather forecasts

Short-range forecasts (1–14 days) are typically generated by physics-driven models that ingest global weather data and simulate outcomes using advanced techniques, with AI increasingly contributing to the precision of these forecasts within this timeframe. These are considered more reliable due to their frequent model updates and high-resolution input data.

Long-range weather forecasts

Long-range forecasts (15+ days) are largely based on historical data and pattern recognition to predict what’s ahead. Forecasts beyond 15 days are inherently less precise because of how rapidly the atmosphere can change. This means accuracy is likely to decrease the further out the forecast goes.

How reliable are weather forecasts?

The answer largely depends on the forecast range. Generally, short-term forecasts demonstrate high accuracy:

• A 7-day forecast can accurately predict the weather about 80% of the time.²
• A five-day forecast can accurately predict the weather approximately 90% of the time.³

Accuracy drops as the forecast range increases, but advanced models and AI can help improve even long-range predictions. 

Why are reliable weather forecasts important?

Weather significantly impacts people’s daily lives, and accurate weather forecasting enables communities to better prepare for the effects of changing weather conditions. Weather forecasting determines the likelihood of a severe weather event or strong storm. By leveraging this information, utilities can strengthen the grid, and schools can decide if it’s safe for parents to drive their children.

Why are reliable weather forecasts important?

In the past four years, the United States saw a total of 93 individual billion-plus-dollar weather and climate disasters (20 in 2021, 18 in 2022, 28 in 2023, and 27 in 2024). Prior to 2020, the highest number for a single year was 16.4. In 2024 alone, there were more than 150 unprecedented climate disasters globally, and $182.7 billion in U.S. weather-related damages – the fourth-highest year on record.5 As extreme weather events become more common, people and businesses rely on weather forecast accuracy more than ever to try to mitigate losses, influence safety measures, increase productivity, and improve business-related decisions.

It’s this critical need that underscores why accurate weather forecasting helps instill confidence, drive informed decisions, and propel the world forward. That’s why we’re committed to continuous innovation of current and future solutions. From rerouting flights to adjusting supply chains, better forecasts reduce risk and support operational confidence.