What does a Center Weather Advisory (CWA) supplement?

A Center Weather Advisory (CWA) is designed to provide timely and relevant information to pilots about significant weather conditions that could affect flight safety in the vicinity of a center's airspace. Specifically, it serves as a supplement to existing SIGMETs and Convective SIGMETs, which are official notices of severe weather phenomena that could impact aircraft operations.

SIGMETs and Convective SIGMETs focus on conditions such as thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, and volcanic ash. However, CWAs can highlight additional weather concerns that may not be fully covered by these existing advisories, such as localized severe weather that is developing or evolving rapidly.

By supplementing the information contained in SIGMETs and Convective SIGMETs, a CWA helps ensure that pilots have access to the most current and comprehensive weather updates, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their flight operations. This is particularly vital in areas with changing weather patterns or when severe weather is imminent.