How thunderstorms affects
flights at ATL.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) in Atlanta. Historical delay data, cancellation risk, airline performance, and what to do when thunderstorms hits. Season: May - Sep.
Thunderstorms Impact at ATL
Based on historical flight performance data during May - Sep
78%
On-time rate
during thunderstorms
1.4%
Cancellation
rate
74m
Avg delay
when late
-5%
On-time rate drop
vs off-peak months
11 precip days/month
During
May - Sep
What happens at ATL during thunderstorms
Summer thunderstorms cause ground stops, lightning-related ramp closures, and air traffic control delays. Convective weather is the leading cause of FAA ground delay programs and affects hub airports across the South and Midwest.
Historical impact
During May - Sep, ATL's on-time rate drops to 78% — compared to 83% during non-peak months. Cancellations rise from 1.2% to 1.4% during peak thunderstorms months.
Typical recovery time
1-3 hours after cells pass. Ground stops lift quickly, but cascading delays from rerouted aircraft can persist into the evening.
Which airlines handle thunderstorms best at ATL?
All airlines are subject to the same runway closures and ground stops, but some handle disruption better than others — faster rebooking, better crew scheduling, and more de-icing capacity.
Best at ATL
Endeavor Air
87% on-time · 69m avg delay
Most delayed
Frontier Airlines
64% on-time · 81m avg delay
Based on overall performance at ATL. Individual flight performance varies by route and time of day.
Tips for flying through ATL during thunderstorms
Fly before noon
Summer thunderstorms at ATL typically build in the afternoon. Morning flights have significantly better on-time rates during convective season.
Watch for ground stops on FAA.gov
The FAA posts ground delay programs in real time. If your departure airport has a GDP into your arrival airport, your flight will be delayed at the gate.
Don't panic at the gate
Thunderstorm delays are usually 1-3 hours. Unlike snow, once cells pass, operations resume quickly. Cancellations are rare unless storms persist past 8 PM.
Set up flight alerts
Gate changes and delay updates happen fast during convective weather. A free FlightCheck briefing tells you what to expect before you leave for the airport.
Get a free flight briefing for ATL
Weather risk, delay probability, and what to expect — delivered to your inbox before you fly.
Common questions
How does thunderstorms affect flights at ATL?
During thunderstorms season, ATL averages a 78% on-time rate with an average delay of 74 minutes when flights are late. The cancellation rate during peak months is 1.4%.
What months are worst for thunderstorms at ATL?
Thunderstorms at ATL peaks during May - Sep. These months show measurably higher delay and cancellation rates compared to the rest of the year.
Which airline handles thunderstorms best at ATL?
Based on historical data, Endeavor Air has the best on-time performance at ATL with a 87% on-time rate. However, all airlines are subject to the same runway and ground stop constraints during severe weather.
Do I get a refund if my ATL flight is cancelled due to thunderstorms?
Yes. Under federal law (14 CFR Part 260), you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled — regardless of the reason, including weather. The airline must refund to your original payment method within 7 business days for credit cards.
How long do thunderstorms delays last at ATL?
1-3 hours after cells pass. Ground stops lift quickly, but cascading delays from rerouted aircraft can persist into the evening.
Other airports affected by thunderstorms