What do terminal area forecasts (TAF) provide?

Terminal Area Forecasts (TAFs) are specifically designed to provide critical weather information for the area surrounding an airport, typically covering a radius of about five statute miles. These forecasts are crucial for pilots and dispatchers as they offer insights into expected weather conditions, such as wind speeds, visibility, cloud cover, and potential significant weather phenomena, which are essential for safe flight operations in the vicinity of the airport.

The focus of TAFs is not on current runway conditions or broader weather patterns along an entire flight route, but rather on short-term weather forecasts that can impact takeoff and landing procedures. By concentrating on localized forecasts, TAFs help ensure that flight crews have the necessary information to make informed decisions about departures and arrivals, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency at the airport.

Additionally, while factors like air traffic density can influence airport operations, TAFs do not include this type of information. Instead, they focus solely on the meteorological aspects that can affect aviation activities in the terminal area.