Wind Shear Forecast

Source: www.pilotworkshop.com
Featuring Scott Dennstaedt

Subscriber Question:

"When I see a forecast for wind shear should I expect the ride to be bumpy?"
- Richard W.

Scott:

"A forecast for non-convective low level wind shear (LLWS) is perhaps one of the most misunderstood aviation weather forecasts. Understandably so; a pilot hears the term wind shear and immediately jumps to the conclusion that severe turbulence is likely. It's a common misconception, but non-convective low level wind shear is not a forecast for turbulence. In fact, in most cases, the air is glassy smooth.

The terminal aerodrome forecast or TAF is one place where pilots may see a forecast for non-convective low level wind shear such as the one shown here for Baltimore.

KBWI 152351Z 1600/1706 15006KT P6SM SCT035 BKN070 WS020/19035KT
FM160900 18010KT P6SM BKN020 OVC030 WS020/19040KT...

Additionally, the Aviation Weather Center (AWC) in Kansas City also issues a forecast for non-convective low level wind shear. This forecast, however, is unfortunately labeled as AIRMET Tango. Since most pilots equate AIRMET Tango to a forecast for turbulence, they also believe a forecast for non-convective low level wind shear is also a forecast for turbulence.

Visit https://pilotworkshop.com/tips/weather_wind_shear to read the rest of the article.