What do planes do in thunderstorms?

Seeing storms in the forecast can raise pre-flight nerves. Aviation's basic rule about storms is simple: around, not through.

The storm cloud

Thunderstorms form in towering cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds can be seen from far away and stand out clearly on weather radar.

What do pilots do?

• Planning ahead: storm forecasts along the route are checked before takeoff, and the route is changed from the start if needed.
• Weather radar: the radar in the aircraft's nose shows dense clouds ahead. Pilots fly around them with a wide margin.
• Air traffic control: towers and control centres also route aircraft away from storm areas.

Takeoff and landing

If a storm is right over the airport, takeoffs and landings are paused for a short while. Storms usually pass quickly; these waits are mostly under an hour. A wait shows the system working as it should.

What you feel

While flying around a storm area the aircraft may take a slightly longer route, and there may be light bumps at the edges. Keep your belt fastened and slow your breathing. In SafeSkies, the turbulence forecast along your route shows when these moments are likely to come.