Mother nature can create some fierce weather conditions - for several reasons aircraft want to avoid these.

While storms and weather conditions have, of course, been contributing factors in some aircraft accidents, they are not to be feared too much. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand storms, strong wind, turbulence, and even lightning strikes. Nevertheless, most commercial aircraft will opt to avoid storms completely for several good reasons.

Modern aircraft are designed to fly through storms and other adverse weather. Strong winds will not cause aircraft to fall from the sky, and heavy rain is not going to damage the fuselage. Lightning is not a serious problem either. In fact, according to the US National Weather Service, an aircraft in commercial service is hit by a bolt of lightning on average once or twice per year. With a metal aircraft, the fuselage acts as a Faraday cage with the electricity carried through the exterior. With composite aircraft, conducting elements have been added to direct the current. The tightening mesh on the A350 has caused some issues, with Qatar Airways arguing that damage to the lightning mesh on its A350s could lead to a fuel tank fire.

Despite the limited chance of problems, aircraft will route to avoid storms - both mild and severe. It is also worth noting that avoiding it does not present much difficulty unless the storm is particularly large or unexpected. Flight routes are planned in advance and will account for predicted weather movements. In this way, particular problem areas can be avoided, which will be factored into the route, flight time, and fuel requirements. Onboard aircraft systems will also help pilots avoid local poor weather.

A leading reason for avoiding storms is simply to make the flight smoother. Strong winds can seriously affect aircraft movement. Most of this is due to clear air turbulence - caused by variations in wind velocity. This happens as the lift produced by the wings will increase and decrease with changes in wind speed or direction. When this happens slowly, there is minimal noticeable effect. But in stormy conditions, rapid changes in lift lead to uncomfortable turbulence. The wings are designed to flex to lessen the impact - but we all know that conditions can still be uncomfortable.

Safety plays a part too. Firstly, although aircraft are designed to withstand storms, why take the chance. A short diversion or delay is much more sensible than risking a potentially extreme storm. Some interesting discussion from pilots on Quora highlights this well. They point out that thunderstorms can have updrafts exceeding 6000 feet per minute (compared to a standard climb rate of 2000 to 3000 feet per minute). Combined with potentially multiple lightning strikes, this could put the aircraft near its stress limits.

There are also ground safety concerns. Storm effects are more likely at lower altitudes and of course, can severely affect take-off and landing. This is another reason why advance planning is essential - if storms are likely at the arrival airport, flights may be delayed or certainly planned with an extra likelihood of diversion.

There is plenty more to discuss about storms, hurricanes, lightning, and adverse weather. What is the worst you have ever experienced in the air? Feel free to discuss this further in the comments.

Journalist - With almost a decade of experience in the publishing sphere, Justin has built up a deep understanding of the issues facing aviation today. With a keen interest in route development, new aircraft, and loyalty, his extensive travels with airlines such as British Airways and Cathay Pacific has given him profound direct comprehension of industry matters. Based in Hong Kong and Darlington, UK.