What does the acronym FD stand for in weather reporting?

The acronym FD in the context of weather reporting stands for "Forecast Discussion." This term is commonly used in meteorology to indicate a section of a weather report that discusses the rationale behind a meteorologist's forecasts. It includes updates on current weather conditions, anticipated changes, and how various factors influence the expected weather.

Understanding what a Forecast Discussion entails is crucial for pilots, especially glider pilots, who rely on accurate weather information for safe operations. They need to recognize how meteorological assessments affect flight planning and decision-making considering factors like wind patterns and thermal activity, which are essential for gliding performance.

The other options, while related to aviation or weather, do not encapsulate what is commonly understood by the FD acronym in meteorological terms. Flight Data relates to information collected from an aircraft, Flight Dynamics refers to the forces and behaviors acting on an aircraft in flight, and the Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast focuses specifically on atmospheric conditions at higher altitudes, rather than discussing the overall forecast reasoning.