Every phase of military operations is directly or indirectly concerned with the weather. Although every arm and service is interested in the meteorological information applicable to its operations, in no other arm is the factor of weather more vital than in the Army Air Forces. To the pilot the weather element is of the greatest importance for it may aid, or hinder, or possibly ground him. Weather information provides a guide by means of which the method of flight may be ascertained. The success of a mission and very often the pilot's life is dependent upon the weather factor. Accurate weather forecasting is a science which requires years of painstaking study and under no circumstances should it be practiced and disseminated by an amateur. The science of weather forecasting is one which should be entrusted only those who are specialists. This text is not designed with the purpose in mind of making weather forecasters and weather experts. Rather, it is hoped that through a brief study of weather and its terminology, the Intelligence Officer will have a more complete understanding of the problems of Flight Operations. Sections include: the importance of weather and climate to the S-2; duties of the S-2 in relation to weather; the atmosphere; weather elements and their measurement; air masses and fronts; hazards to flying; weather services; forecasts; hourly sequences; weather maps; winds aloft; and various appendices.

N13530 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.