Contrail layer forecasts are shown for the whole Alaska theater area (theater Number T01). The charts represent the thickness, - the lower boundary, - and the upper boundary of forecasted contrail layers. Forecasts are based on operational Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) MM5 Mesoscale Model runs. Contrail layers are derived for commercial aircrafts with a typical exhaust composition as represented by an average contrail factor of CF = 0.037 g/kgK (f.e. Boeing 747 jets). This infomation is updated at 07:30 and 19:30 Alaskan Standard (Daylight) Time. Last update: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2008 22:42:36 AKDT.
Forecasts are based on operational Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) MM5 Mesoscale Model runs. Contrail layers are derived for commercial aircrafts with a typical exhaust composition as represented by an average contrail factor of CF = 0.037 g/kgK (f.e. Boeing 747 jets).
The forecast interval of the loop is 0 to 24 hours after model initialization with time steps of 3 hours; the forecast initialization time (UTC) and forecast hours are indicated on the plot. A 45 km grid-size distance is used. Critical temperatures as threshold for contrail formation are calculated for all model layers and grid- points. Contrail factors represent special aircraft types and may be subject to change for different areal forecast products.