Skew-T Data For Buffalo New York and Air Traffic Control Chatter on Flight 3407

Lots of moisture at the lower levels with freezing temperatures. Winds aloft 30-40 kts. Definately icing conditions and maybe a few bumps, but no shear.



I used to be a meteorologist in the Air Force and from my time as a forecaster, the Skew T data would indicate at least moderate icing conditions from the 12 hr time frame between 12z and 00z. From ATC chatter, I get the feeling that there was no concern on icing conditions.

One PIREP indicated 1/4-1/2 inch ice build up, but then there was another PIREP that indicated rime icing. I am surprised that ATC was asking about icing conditions from the pilots. This should have been a given.