TAF
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
A weather forecast specific to an airport, predicting conditions over the next 24-30 hours.
A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is an aviation weather forecast for the immediate area around an airport. TAFs predict wind, visibility, cloud cover, and precipitation for the next 24-30 hours, helping airlines and ATC anticipate when conditions might require traffic management programs. TAFs are updated every 6 hours and amended when forecasts change significantly. Poor TAF forecasts often trigger preemptive Ground Delay Programs.
Common Causes
Impact & Duration
Impact Level
N/A - Weather forecast format, not a delay type
Typical Duration
N/A - Forecasts cover 24-30 hour periods
Frequently Asked Questions
How do TAFs differ from METARs?
METARs report current conditions; TAFs forecast future conditions. Airlines use both - METARs for immediate decisions and TAFs for planning flights departing in the coming hours.
Why would a TAF trigger delays before bad weather arrives?
If a TAF predicts thunderstorms at 3 PM, the FAA may implement a Ground Delay Program starting at noon to prevent aircraft from arriving when conditions deteriorate. This proactive approach prevents airborne holding.
Related Terms
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