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New update for the DWD aviation weather app: Version 2.8 brings more functionality for general aviation

Last updated on 22 March 2025
The German Weather Service (DWD) has released version 2.8 of its popular DWD flight weather app. The app, which is firmly established among pilots in Germany for flight preparation, has once again been expanded with valuable functions that are primarily used for cockpit practice and pre-flight weather analyses. Following the introduction of dynamic meteograms and cross sections last year, which represented significant steps towards professional aviation weather displays, the new version 2.8 focuses on additional fine-tuning, user-friendliness and improved customisation of the weather data.

The most important new features in version 2.8 at a glance

1. meteograms and cross sections can be called up for any location

Until now, meteograms and vertical cross sections were limited to fixed aerodromes. With the new update, these for any geographical location This is a clear added value for VFR and IFR pilots who want to assess routes or specific regions in detail during the planning phase.

2. consideration of take-off and landing time in the diagram

A frequently expressed user request has been implemented: In the diagrams you can now Specific take-off and landing times can be entered. These times are visually highlighted in the diagram, which makes it possible, Critical weather phases during the flight clearly recognisable - an enormous help for risk assessment in marginal weather conditions.

3. extension of the precipitation phases in the radar image

In the area Radar The weather display has been refined: New is the Precipitation type "freezing rain" or "freezing drizzle" (freezing rain/drizzle), a particularly dangerous phenomenon for aviation that occurs at temperatures around freezing point. This extension significantly improves situational awareness in winter.

4. pop-up display of the complete weather reports in the "Current" layer

In the "Current" layer, you can now the complete METAR and other weather data directly in a pop-up window are displayed. This saves clicks, improves clarity and provides all the necessary information at a glance - especially in complex weather situations.

5. aerodrome names are displayed

Another detail with great benefits: In addition to the ICAOLocation Indicator (e.g. EDDF for Frankfurt/Main) will now also be the full name of the aerodrome displayed. This makes route planning and the overview map more convenient, especially for less familiar aerodromes.

6. new help texts and legends

In order to make the multitude of data and weather information easier to understand, the Further context-sensitive help texts and legends addedwhich help with the interpretation of diagrams, symbols and colour scales.

Further improvements under the bonnet

In addition to the main points mentioned, version 2.8 also includes minor bug fixes, Performance improvements and Interface optimisations undertaken. The aim is to make the app even more robust and intuitive as a reliable tool for flight preparation.

A step towards a digital weather information service at European level

The DWD aviation weather app is thus increasingly developing into a modern, professional aviation weather toolwhich also plays a leading role in European comparison. Especially in the General Aviationwhere there are often no on-board weather radar systems, well-founded flight weather preparation before take-off is essential - and this is precisely where the app comes in.

For pilots flying under visual flight rules (VFR) or flying in changing altitudes and visibility conditions in particular, mobile access to detailed weather information is an enormous advantage. Security and planning reliability.

Download and further information

The DWD flight weather app is available in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store can be downloaded free of charge. A valid user account with the DWD is required to access the aeronautical weather information.

Further information on version 2.8 and the detailed changes can be found on the official DWD website.


Source references:
DWD

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