Home › Weather › How Does Weather Affect Airplane Flights?
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Civic Maple Weather Desk. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Check the live forecast above before heading to the airport. Weather conditions — from fog to high winds — can delay, cancel, or reroute flights. Understanding how each type affects operations helps you plan around disruptions.
Which weather conditions most commonly delay flights?
Low visibility, thunderstorms, and strong crosswinds are the top culprits. Fog and heavy snow reduce visibility below safe landing minimums. Thunderstorms produce lightning, hail, and turbulence that force aircraft to avoid them. Strong crosswinds — above about 30 knots — can exceed a plane’s landing limits, especially at airports like Calgary where gusty winds are common.
How does temperature affect aircraft performance?
Hot air is less dense, so planes need longer runways to generate enough lift. On days above 40°C, some aircraft at high‑elevation airports like Edmonton may need to reduce payload or delay takeoff. Cold air improves lift but can cause icing on wings and sensors. De‑icing delays are routine during winter storms across Canada.
Does rain alone cancel flights?
Rain by itself rarely cancels flights. Modern aircraft can operate safely in heavy rain. However, rain combined with low clouds or thunderstorms can reduce visibility and trigger ground stops. Standing water on runways also lengthens landing distances.
Can wind affect takeoff more than landing?
Yes. Takeoff requires precise airspeed, and gusty crosswinds or tailwinds reduce climb performance. Many airports have different wind limits for takeoff than for landing. A headwind helps both phases, but a tailwind above 10 knots often delays departures.
How do airlines decide to divert?
Pilots divert when conditions at the destination fall below safe limits — typically because of fog, thunderstorms, or runway snow. Fuel reserves, alternate airport distance, and passenger comfort also factor in. Check your 10‑day forecast for potential weather issues.