Stable Air
As previously discussed, a stable air mass is one in which the vertical motion of air is suppressed. Stable air is generally characterized by the following weather conditions:
Poor Visibility
Because stable air masses are free of disturbances, they often allow particles such as dust and smoke to linger in the air resulting in poor visibility.
Stratiform Cloud
Because stable air masses are, by nature, calm and free of violent disturbances, they are often marked by the appearance of stratiform (layered) clouds or fog. Stratiform clouds can be identified by their smooth, sheetlike nature and do not build vertically like clouds found in unstable air masses with convective activity.
Smooth Air
Stable air masses are also characterized by smooth, undisturbed air. Flight through stable air masses will generally experience nil to light turbulence.
Continuous Precipitation
Continuous precipitation is associated with a stable airmass.
