ISSUE DESCRIPTION
Description of the issue:
I’ve noticed over the past few years and again recently in MSFS2024, that thunderstorms are still not being accurately depicted in the Live Weather system. Even when real-world data (e.g., lightning maps) shows strong convective activity, the sim often displays only shallow cumulus clouds. Lightning effects may be present, but they often appear disconnected from any realistic vertical storm structures like towering cumulonimbus or anvil-shaped cloud tops.
Just recently I tested storm conditions over Jacksonville, Florida and Zaragoza, Spain – both areas with active thunderstorms but in both cases, the sim only showed relatively flat clouds, no visible storm cores, and no vertical development. These conditions have been consistent for me across various IFR flights in both FS2020 and FS2024.
Additionally, the weather effects themselves seem limited, there’s often little to no turbulence, wind shear, or icing near these simulated storms. While the visual fidelity of the sim is generally impressive, the lack of accurate CB representation affects immersion and realism, especially for those flying in challenging weather scenarios.
I’m curious if Asobo has acknowledged this limitation or if any improvements to convective weather modeling are planned in future updates. Accurate CB and thunderstorm simulation would be a major step forward for realistic weather flying.
Provide specific location or coordinates:
Tested recently near locations with active thunderstorms and confirmed lightning activity.
[PC Only] Did you remove all your community mods/add-ons? If yes, are you still experiencing the issue?
Mods not removed, but thunderstorms should not be influenced by aircraft or scenery add-ons.
FREQUENCY OF ISSUE
How often does this occur for you?
Every time I fly in areas with real-world thunderstorm activity; consistently observed since the sim’s launch.
REPRODUCTION STEPS
Please list clear steps to reproduce:
- Spawn near an active thunderstorm area confirmed by live lightning maps and METAR reports.
- Enable Live Weather mode.
- Observe cloud structures and lightning activity in the sim.
For anyone who wants to contribute on this issue, Click on the button below to use this template:
Do you have the same issue if you follow the OP’s steps to reproduce it?
•
Provide extra information to complete the original description of the issue:
•
If relevant, provide additional screenshots/video:
•