Moisture and Precipitation
The global energy and water cycles are driven by tropical heating and moisture transport. The evaluation of thermodynamic energy is used to distinguish between fair weather, stormy weather, and the effect of dry intrusions, such as the Saharan Air Layer. Cloud and precipitation formation in the tropics varies diurnally, sub-seasonally, and interannually. All of these considerations should be used as part of the forecast process.
The presence of clouds and precipitation can greatly impact aviation operations. Accurate and timely forecasting of these conditions is an important part of aeronautical forecasting.