You are avoiding a thunderstorm that is in your flightpath. You are over 20 miles from the cell; however, you are under the anvil of the cell. Is this a hazard?

You are avoiding a thunderstorm that is in your flightpath. You are over 20 miles from the cell; however, you are under the anvil of the cell. Is this a hazard?

• A. No, it is safe to fly.
• B. Yes, hail can be discharged from the anvil.
• C. Only if the storm is severe.
• D. Depends on the altitude.

Answer: (B)

When flying under the anvil of a thunderstorm cell, there is a significant hazard, mainly due to the potential for hail to be discharged from the anvil. Thunderstorms can produce severe weather, and the anvil extends outward from the upper portion of the storm, where strong updrafts carry moisture high into the atmosphere. As this moisture condenses, it can freeze and form hailstones. When these hailstones become too heavy for the updrafts to support them, they can fall from the anvil and pose a threat to aircraft flying below. Even at a distance of over 20 miles from the thunderstorm itself, if you are located directly beneath the anvil, it is crucial to be aware of the risk of hail. Other potential threats from being near a thunderstorm may include turbulent air and the possibility of downbursts, which can also impact flight safety. Therefore, the presence of the anvil signifies that you could still encounter significant hazards even if you are a considerable distance away from the main storm cell.

When flying under the anvil of a thunderstorm cell, there is a significant hazard, mainly due to the potential for hail to be discharged from the anvil. Thunderstorms can produce severe weather, and the anvil extends outward from the upper portion of the storm, where strong updrafts carry moisture high into the atmosphere. As this moisture condenses, it can freeze and form hailstones. When these hailstones become too heavy for the updrafts to support them, they can fall from the anvil and pose a threat to aircraft flying below.

Even at a distance of over 20 miles from the thunderstorm itself, if you are located directly beneath the anvil, it is crucial to be aware of the risk of hail. Other potential threats from being near a thunderstorm may include turbulent air and the possibility of downbursts, which can also impact flight safety. Therefore, the presence of the anvil signifies that you could still encounter significant hazards even if you are a considerable distance away from the main storm cell.