What potential conditions may arise when an airport experiences a temperature inversion?

When an airport experiences a temperature inversion, a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface. This phenomenon can lead to reduced visibility due to the accumulation of pollutants, moisture, or fog in the cooler air beneath the warmer layer. Additionally, this stratification can create conditions conducive to windshear, where there are sudden changes in wind direction and speed over very short distances. This can affect aircraft performance during takeoff and landing, making it crucial for pilots and dispatchers to be aware of such conditions to ensure safety.

In contrast, increased turbulence is typically associated with mountain waves or frontal systems and may not necessarily be a direct result of a temperature inversion. Improved visibility and calm winds are not aligned with the effects of an inversion, as the warm layer often leads to the opposite scenario. Severe thunderstorms are usually linked to other meteorological conditions, such as significant atmospheric instability, rather than occurring directly due to temperature inversions.