What is a wind shear warning?

A wind shear warning is specifically designed to alert pilots and aviation personnel about sudden and significant changes in wind speed or direction that can occur over a short distance, either vertically or horizontally. Wind shear can pose serious threats to aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing phases, as it can result in abrupt altitude changes or loss of control.

Understanding wind shear is crucial for aviation safety. For example, a plane might encounter a sudden increase in tailwind during takeoff, which can lead to insufficient lift, or a downdraft that can cause the aircraft to descend rapidly. A warning about these conditions allows pilots to prepare for and manage such potentially hazardous situations appropriately.

In contrast, notifications regarding upcoming storms focus on weather systems that may bring adverse conditions but do not specifically address the rapid changes in wind relevant to wind shear. Warnings about mid-air collisions involve entirely different safety concerns, addressing the need for situational awareness among aircraft in a given airspace. Reports of average wind conditions may help provide context for flying conditions but do not give specific, actionable alerts regarding dangerous wind variations that could arise in flight.