Cloud variation and update timing ?

[WilloW_737 5]

Greetings;

 

Quick question re: clouds and the timing of weather updates.

 

If the update is set to 30 minutes, do the clouds change based on the current update as you progress through your flight, or do they remain more or less the same until the next update occurs?

 

I realize it depends on the METAR, but if the METAR is variable will you see changes.

 

Thank you,   WilloW

[Opus Software 84]

Changes to the weather are only injected with a weather update and not in between. Similarly, the latest METARs are downloaded from NOAA as part of a weather update. However, the clouds will drift with the wind as evident in windy conditions when sitting on the ground.

 

Stephen

[WilloW_737 5]

Stephen,  Thank you for your answer.  

 

During an update all weather for the texture grid is uploaded as part of the METAR.  The grid (depending on the size selected) may include several stations each which may have differing weather based on conditions at the time of the update.  If you are flying through a number of stations will the weather change as you fly into the adjacent station's circle of influence ?

 

I hope this makes sense.   Thank you   WilloW

[Opus Software 84]

Of course it will, the OpusFSX weather is highly detailed and accurate, we have even used the weather maps in the RW when waiting for conditions to improve en route before setting off to the airfield. You should use the default size of weather theme as you don't really gain anything from increasing the theme size due to limitations within FSX.

 

The LWE downloads all METARs from all Met stations within its 800 x 800 mile weather map then the heuristic weather Interpolator interpolates the weather at all points in the map down to the highest resolution FSX is capable of storing. You can see the results for yourself using the various weather maps. Also in flight your Destination weather within FSX will be accurate from over 200km away. The weather is very detailed and completely defined by the current METARs.

 

Stephen

[WilloW_737 5]

Understand 100%.  Thank you for confirming my original thoughts - one again a  wonderful program.   Cheers,  WilloW

[Opus Software 84]

You're welcome.

 

Stephen :-)