What is the primary source of weather data for aviation?

The primary source of weather data for aviation is the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS plays a critical role in providing weather forecasts, alerts, and real-time data that are essential for safe flight operations. It specializes in observing and predicting weather conditions that can affect aviation, including thunderstorms, low visibility, and icing conditions. Their data is crucial for flight planning and for pilots and air traffic controllers to make informed decisions related to safety.

While other organizations, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), do contribute to aviation safety and operational procedures, they primarily focus on regulations and air traffic management rather than providing raw weather data. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides broader climate information and research but does not specialize solely in aviation weather. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is an international organization that facilitates global cooperation and standards in meteorology but does not serve as the direct source of aviation weather data in the same way the NWS does in the United States. Thus, the NWS is recognized as the authoritative source for aviation weather information.