Effects of Weather on Noise

Weather plays a major role in aircraft operations, as aircraft land and takeoff into the wind. During adverse weather conditions, the winds are often shifting. Depending on velocity, alternate flight paths may be utilized. Noise abatement staff frequently receive questions from residents who notice noise over their neighborhood only when there is adverse weather; our response usually relates to the behavior of the winds and weather pattern.

Cloud coverage also impacts noise perception. On cloudy days, noise can seem louder as it is generated from the aircraft and rebounds to the surface of the earth from the bottom of the clouds. In warm weather, aircraft climb more slowly, making operations louder on the ground. On days with high wind speed, aircraft noise can be carried to farther distances at ground level.