View Full Version : 5G, weather forecasting and air travel
I recently became aware of claims from usually reliable sources that 5G might affect the accuracy of weather forecasts. See for example https://www.wired.com/story/5g-networks-could-throw-weather-forecasting-into-chaos/ . Or Google to see many more.
I'm not a professional pilot. I'd be interested in the opinions of professional pilots: do you see this as a threat or matter of concern?
Rated De
12th Jun 2019, 06:55
Paraphrasing, Outside of the spooks, the most powerful computers are operated by the Weather Bureau, they only forecast out to ten days, with interesting results. -Jim Grant
Thus any pilot actually relying on a forecast to order their fuel is either a management pilot stooge or newbie.
Australopithecus
12th Jun 2019, 07:48
Since when did the word forecast convey any absolute certainty? While the models used today are very good, they rely almost solely on derived rather than actual sensor data. In Australia the grid of reporting stations is too coarse to accurately predict times of frontal passage or net moisture + temperature values.
That the spectrum auctions may compromise our collective satellite data paths is unconscionable, assurances of elegant solutions notwithstanding.
GordonR_Cape
12th Jun 2019, 08:52
As @Australopithecus (https://www.pprune.org/members/423601-australopithecus) suggests, the weather that is going to affect you in 7-10 days time, is based on winds and moisture that are halfway around the world right now. There is currently a gap between forecasts which extrapolate from models, and warnings that take data directly from satellites, sensors and radar. That may change in the future.
Mainstream media understanding of these topics is limited, but some sources have a good grasp of the details: https://physicsworld.com/a/debate-rages-over-5g-impact-on-us-weather-forecasting/
OldLurker
12th Jun 2019, 10:43
Paraphrasing,Outside of the spooks, the most powerful computers are operated by the Weather Bureau, they only forecast out to ten days, with interesting results. -Jim Grant .Thus any pilot actually relying on a forecast to order their fuel is either a management pilot stooge or newbie.
1. Who is Jim Grant? Can you provide a source for that quote?
2. How do you derive your statement from that quote?
3. What point are you trying to make?