Drone exam · Meteorology

Wind is light on a sunny afternoon, but the drone becomes noticeably less stable over a dark paved yard than over nearby grass. What may be happening?

Answer

Strongly heated surfaces can generate rising thermals and uneven convective mixing. Expect changing vertical air motion and reduce precision requirements or wait for calmer conditions.

Explanation

Turbulence is not caused only by strong horizontal wind. Uneven heating can produce local rising and sinking air even on a generally light wind day.