Stablility

Stable Air

• poor low level visibility
• stratus type cloud
• steady precipitation
• steady winds which can change markedly with height
• smooth flying conditions
• steep lapse rate
• small temperature lapse rate

Unstable Air

• good visibility (except in precipitation)
• cumulus or cumulonimbus clouds
• showery precipitation
• gusty winds
• moderate or severe turbulence
• shallow lapse rate
• high temperature lapse rate