風読み Kazeyomi
風読みWeather

Aviation weather for light aircraft

For VFR training and cross-country flights, light-aircraft IFR, gliders and helicopters — arranged in the order you check them. For METAR, TAF and crosswinds by airport, see the airport list.

Current conditions

Start with the big picture: fronts and pressure patterns on the surface chart, and cloud cover on satellite imagery.

Surface analysis chart

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Surface analysis chartPressure systems and fronts around Japan. Every 3 hours.Source: "Surface analysis chart" (from the JMA website)
Himawari infrared

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Himawari infraredCloud-top height (whiter means higher). Available at night.Source: "Himawari infrared" (from the Meteorological Satellite Center website)
Himawari visible

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Himawari visibleDaytime cloud thickness and shape. Low cloud and fog are visible too.Source: "Himawari visible" (from the Meteorological Satellite Center website)

Low-level hazards

For VFR, ceilings, visibility and low-level turbulence drive the decision.

Low-level significant weather chart
Low-level significant weather chartForecast low-level hazards (cloud, visibility, turbulence, icing) by region. Switch the number to change the forecast time; check the valid time printed on the chart.Source: "Low-level significant weather chart" (from the JMA website)
Domestic significant weather chart

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Domestic significant weather chartForecast turbulence, icing, cumulonimbus and more over Japanese airspace.Source: "Domestic significant weather chart" (from the JMA website)

Thunderstorms & cumulonimbus

Thunderstorms and cumulonimbus in METARs and TAFs across Japan, in one list. For areas away from airports, use the sources below.

Observed now

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Forecast within 12 hours (TAF)

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Only airports with METAR/TAF are included (most JSDF/US military airfields and island airports are not). Picks up thunderstorms (TS), thunderstorms in the vicinity (VCTS) and cumulonimbus (CB).

Forecast

24-hour forecast chart

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24-hour forecast chartTomorrow's pressure systems and fronts.Source: "24-hour forecast chart" (from the JMA website)
48-hour forecast chart

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48-hour forecast chartPressure systems and fronts in 2 days.Source: "48-hour forecast chart" (from the JMA website)
Domestic significant weather 12-hour forecast

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Domestic significant weather 12-hour forecastAutomatically generated from numerical models, 12 hours ahead. May differ from official forecasts.Source: "Domestic significant weather 12-hour forecast" (from the JMA website)

Icing & winds aloft (IFR)

When flying in cloud, check the freezing level (an icing guide) and winds aloft.

Domestic route cross-sections (6 & 12 hours)

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Domestic route cross-sections (6 & 12 hours)Forecast temperature, wind and moisture along major routes, including the freezing level.Source: "Domestic route cross-sections (6 & 12 hours)" (from the JMA website)

Mountain waves, local winds & thermals

For gliders, helicopters and mountain crossings. Combine high-resolution forecasts with upper-air observations.

Mountain pass & strait cameras

Check cloud and visibility along your route with road and river cameras.

Charts from JMA and the Meteorological Satellite Center are shown with their source noted under each chart (under the Public Data License). Other sites are linked in line with their terms. Charts load directly from each provider, so they may be delayed or unavailable. Many linked pages are in Japanese.