ZLAPDWB.mp4
Summary: The ZLA weather briefing for April 22-23, 2026, indicates increasing stratus along coastal sections and southern San Joaquin Valley, blowing dust in deserts, and moderate turbulence. Precipitation is mostly north of ZLA, with a low-pressure system in the Northwest US. Winds are strong at higher altitudes (up to 120 knots at FL360). Turbulence is expected at various levels over Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California. MVFR conditions are forecast for San Diego and Santa Ana.
This pre-duty weather briefing for the Los Angeles ARTCC (ZLA) covers the night of April 22-23, 2026. Weather impacts include increasing stratus below 3,500 feet in coastal sections and below 8,000 feet in the southern foothills of the San Joaquin Valley. Deserts are experiencing blowing dust, and moderate turbulence is expected at both upper and lower levels. The national forecast chart shows a weather system moving through the northwestern US, bringing precipitation mostly north of ZLA, and showers/thunderstorms east of the Rockies and in parts of Indiana/Ohio. Satellite imagery confirms low clouds are forming near Bakersfield and the Central Valley, but not yet further south, with some high clouds over ZLA. Wind speeds are significant, with west winds up to 40 knots at 12,000 feet MSL, up to 55 knots at FL180, and up to 120 knots at FL360. G-AIRMETs indicate no significant IFR or mountain obscuration. Moderate turbulence is forecast below 16,000 feet, and upper-level turbulence from 30,000 to 41,000 feet (18,000 to 35,000 feet in some areas). Low-level turbulence diminishes by 12Z, but upper-level turbulence persists. No icing is expected within the ZLA airspace, with freezing levels at 13,000 feet to the south, 11,000 feet in the middle, and 9,000 feet to the north. PIREPs are needed for ceilings/visibility in areas A (SBP-OXR), B (BFL-BUR - NW and East sections), and E (LAX-SAN). Low-level turbulence/LLWS PIREPs are needed for areas B, C, D, E, and F. TAFs indicate MVFR conditions for Santa Ana (KSNA) between 05Z-08Z and 11Z-12Z, and for San Diego (KSAN) between 06Z-13Z, with winds becoming 8 knots from the North after 15Z. Las Vegas (KLAS) will see light southwest winds becoming north-northwest overnight. Pilots are advised to check new TAFs by 0600Z for the latest updates.
Playback guide
1. timestamp: 0:00 title: Introduction & Briefing Title description: Introduction to the Los Angeles ARTCC (ZLA) Pre-duty Weather Briefing for Wednesday night, April 22-23, 2026. 2. timestamp: 0:03 title: ZLA Weather Impacts description: Overview of immediate weather impacts including increasing stratus in coastal and San Joaquin Valley foothills, blowing dust in deserts, and moderate turbulence. 3. timestamp: 0:14 title: WPC National Forecast Chart description: Discussion of the national weather forecast, indicating precipitation north of ZLA, a weather system in the Northwest US, and thunderstorms east of the Rockies and in the Midwest. 4. timestamp: 0:26 title: Satellite Imagery description: Analysis of satellite imagery showing cloud patterns, including low clouds near Bakersfield and potential high clouds over ZLA. 5. timestamp: 0:42 title: Winds at Various Altitudes description: Forecast of wind speeds at 12,000 feet MSL, Flight Level 180 (FL180), and Flight Level 360 (FL360), highlighting strong winds at higher altitudes. 6. timestamp: 0:52 title: G-AIRMETs for Turbulence and Icing description: Review of G-AIRMETs, detailing areas of expected moderate and high turbulence at various flight levels, and confirming no significant icing within ZLA airspace. 7. timestamp: 1:13 title: Freezing Level Height description: Information on freezing levels across the ZLA region, ranging from 9,000 feet to 13,000 feet MSL. 8. timestamp: 1:18 title: PIREP Solicitation and TAFs description: Details on areas requiring PIREPs for ceiling/visibility, turbulence, and LLWS. Also includes TAF highlights for specific stations like KSNA, KSAN, and KLAS, noting MVFR conditions and wind shifts. 9. timestamp: 1:46 title: New TAFs & Conclusion description: Advisory to check for new TAFs by 0600Z and conclusion of the weather briefing.