Checking the Weather

I can’t recall where I found this photo but it speaks the truth.

The examples below may link or reference Indianapolis. Change the location as appropriate. And thanks to Lydia for some great tips and helping me put this list together.

Start Small

Check METARs and TAFs at the airport you're planning for as well as a few others surrounding the area.

Go Big

• Look at Prognostic and Surface Analysis Charts on the Aviation Weather Center— What's causing the weather or what weather is on the way

• Read over the Aviation Forecast Discussion

Check Other Sources

• Check Winds Aloft/Temps Data— Looking for strong winds and temperature inversions

• Check Graphical AIRMETs and SIGMETs

• Look for severe weather and convection activity

• Review any PIREPs

• Check the NWS Hourly Weather Forecast

1800wxbrief

It should go without saying that getting a weather brief from 1800wxbrief is highly recommend. Whether you call or visit the website, get one.

Preflight Briefings– IFR Magazine "Today, the Internet gives us myriad-mostly informal-sources to figure out the weather for our flight. Here's what to look for as you brief the weather."

P.S. wttr is a fun 3-day view of the forecasted weather. It can also do a bunch of other neat stuff. See GitHub.

P.P.S. There's no such thing as a "legal" weather brief.