Can Airplanes Fly In All Weather?

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By David Kim, Consumer Tech EditorReviewed by Priya SharmaForecast data: Open-Meteo & Environment and Climate Change Canada

Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the BuzzLayer Weather Desk. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other national met services via Open-Meteo.

No, airplanes cannot fly safely in all weather. Severe thunderstorms, heavy icing, dense fog, and dangerous crosswinds regularly force flight delays, diversions, or cancellations across Canadian airports.

What weather stops aircraft from flying?

The most common culprits are thunderstorms with lightning and strong updrafts, low visibility from fog or blowing snow, and runway icing. In Canada, winter storms often bring freezing rain that coats wings and runways; de-icing becomes mandatory. Crosswinds above a plane’s certified limit (usually 30–40 km/h for small jets, higher for large ones) can make landing unsafe. Pilots and dispatchers rely on Environment Canada’s aviation forecasts and terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs) to decide whether to fly.

How do pilots and airlines decide?

Every airline has a set of minimums—visibility, ceiling height, wind limits, and temperature thresholds for icing. If a destination airport reports conditions below those minimums, the flight is held or rerouted. Canada’s major airports, such as Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International, have Category III instrument landing systems that allow landings in very low visibility, but even those have limits. The final decision rests with the captain, who considers real-time weather radar, pilot reports, and the latest weather warnings.

Icing riskAircraft are prohibited from taking off with ice on wings; de-icing fluid is used when freezing precipitation is present.

Visibility minimaMost Canadian airports require at least 1.6 km visibility for takeoff; Category III approaches allow 300 metres.

Crosswind limitTypical 1,200-metre runway crosswind limit is 33 km/h for a Boeing 737, lower for smaller planes.

Thunderstorm bufferAir traffic control keeps aircraft 40 km away from thunderstorm cores to avoid hail and lightning.

Can planes fly in rain?

Yes, moderate rain is generally safe. Heavy rain can reduce visibility and sometimes create microbursts, so pilots avoid flying through intense rain cells, especially near the ground.

Can planes fly in snow?

Yes, but only after de-icing. Accumulating snow on wings alters aerodynamics. Many Canadian airports run snow-clearing operations and flights often depart with delays in heavy snowfall.

Can planes fly in fog?

Yes, if the airport is equipped with instrument landing systems. In dense fog (visibility below 300 metres) even Category III landings are restricted; flights may divert to alternate airports.