Final answer:
An AIRMET is a weather advisory issued to inform pilots of potentially hazardous weather conditions that could affect flight operations. Conditions that warrant the issuance of an AIRMET can include turbulence, visibility issues, thunderstorms, and low-level wind shear.
Step-by-step explanation:
An AIRMET, or Airmen's Meteorological Information, is a weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service to inform pilots and other aviation personnel of potentially hazardous weather conditions that could affect the safety of flight operations. AIRMETs are issued for specific regions and are based on observed or forecasted weather phenomena such as moderate turbulence, icing, or low-level wind shear.
Conditions that warrant the issuance of an AIRMET include:
- Moderate turbulence not associated with thunderstorms.
- Surface visibility of 3 to 5 miles due to smoke, haze, or dust.
- Widespread or embedded thunderstorms producing heavy precipitation.
- Low-level wind shear.
These are just a few examples, and AIRMETs can be issued for various weather conditions that may impact aviation operations.