Weather (ITCZ) flying

[Boeing 777-300ER]

The company I work with entrusted me with the planning stages of possible flight to central africa with a possibility of further flights to JNB.

I have ample information about ATC and inflight broadcasts. In that area I am covered.

As we never operated there can I please have some information on the type of weather to expect over Africa with emphasis on the ITCZ. Are the thunderstorms isolated or one can expect squall lines most of the time?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. I have been searching the net (all I found is mostly theory)but I think that there is nothing better then first hand experiences.

Thanks to all in advance.

[Der absolute Hammer]

Well, most of the theory I have ever read would fit pretty darn nice with the real scenario. the ITCZ moves up and down the continent but lately seems to have been pretty thin in its width. Cells usually are of the line squall type and can of course reach up to 36,000ft. A 777 should have no trouble. At the lower levels of course trhe weather associated with the ITCZ up high can be pretty fierce. Not much real experience of the central african flying. I should have thought that in general terms, the weather would be the least of your worries if you are flying a nice shiny new jet in that part of the world. Wait and see if your inquiry picks up better info.

[rush2one]

I do not think the weather will give you as many problems as you'll get on the ground from the authorities. With over 4500 hrs in the ITCZ the best site we found is GFS Forecast of Vertical Velocity and Precipitation (http://www.wxmaps.org/pix/af.vv.html).

[thats entertainment!]

Thanks rush2 for that, also flying in ITCZ and found the following helpful in planning a :eek: day or a :) day of flying, because make no mistake you will go anyway... Like previous poster said problems will be on the ground, possibly also braking action on the runway and other traffic.

Based on these below and forecasts have fuel for a reasonable alternate.

http://www.sat24.com/cm

EuroWEATHER - Meteosat images (http://www.eurometeo.com/english/meteosat/jump_EUMET:MPE-7)

[big buddah]

Here's the direct link for the Euro site, best sat pic out there.

You can change it to what ever region you require and enlarge it.

EUMETSAT IPPS animation - Meteosat 0 degree Multi-Sensor Precipitation Estimate Central Africa (http://oiswww.eumetsat.org/IPPS/html/MSG/PRODUCTS/MPE/CENTRALAFRICA/)

[Boeing 777-300ER]

Thanks to all for your help.

[ARENDIII]

No snags here-If you can fly a 777 you are right up there!
No snags with WX. Just have WX radar for the descent-can get nasty, just get wx as normal and make a plan-don't just accept an ATC clearance to the VOR to hold if there is a major storm over the VOR-Think! Maybe hold for a while somewhere else and all will be good-just check your fuel, Thank God I have an engineer to check that!
Fly safely,
Arend III.