You receive a briefing indicating a low-level temperature inversion with high relative humidity. What weather conditions would you expect?
ALight wind, poor visibility, mist, haze, and fog.✓
BModerate turbulence and wind shear at the inversion layer.
CTurbulent air with showery precipitation below the inversion.
Why →A temperature inversion traps cool, moist air near the surface under a warmer air layer above. With high relative humidity, moisture condenses into mist, haze, or fog. The trapped air is stable (no vertical mixing), producing smooth flight conditions but poor visibility.
The trap →Turbulence and showery precipitation describe unstable air, the opposite of an inversion. Wind shear can exist at the inversion layer itself, but not typically in the calm air below it.
Field note →Temperature inversions are common in valleys and low-lying areas early morning and overnight. The smooth air sounds appealing, but ground-level fog or haze can eliminate visual line of sight.
SOURCE → FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide, Weather, FAA UAG Sample Question 39CHECKED JUL 16ACS III.A.K1MED