Flights may be canceled due to wind, precipitation, fog or low visibility, lightning, low clouds, or storms. Outside temperature does not always affect flights. Pilots make the final determination as to whether a flight will occur or whether one in progress will be diverted to another airport.

Airlines rarely cancel flights for rain alone in 2026, as modern jet engines and airframes are designed to operate safely in heavy downpours. Cancellations only occur when rain is accompanied by "Inclement Weather" factors such as severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, or "wind shear" that exceeds safety limits. Extremely heavy rain can also lead to "Low Visibility" conditions that may slow down the "flow rate" of an airport, causing delays rather than cancellations. If the rain is so cold it turns to ice or freezing rain, the plane must undergo de-icing, which adds significant time. Generally, unless the rain is part of a major storm system (like a hurricane) that makes the runway unsafe for braking, your flight will likely depart as scheduled.