What significant weather does an AIRMET inform pilots about?

An AIRMET (Airmen's Meteorological Information) is designed to keep pilots informed about weather conditions that might affect their ability to operate under visual flight rules (VFR). Specifically, AIRMETs are issued for weather phenomena that pose a risk but are less severe than those requiring a SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information).

One of the primary purposes of an AIRMET is to alert pilots about lower than visual meteorological conditions (VMC), which can be critical for maintaining safe flight operations. VMC refers to the minimum weather conditions under which pilots are allowed to fly using visual references rather than relying solely on instruments. An AIRMET for lower than VMC conditions indicates situations such as reduced visibility due to haze, smoke, or cloud cover, which can severely impact a pilot's ability to navigate and maintain visual contact with the ground or other aircraft.

Understanding the significance of an AIRMET is crucial for flight planning and in-flight decision-making, especially for pilots flying under VFR, as it helps ensure safety in potentially hazardous weather conditions.