What is the primary focus of AIRMETs as opposed to SIGMETs?

The primary focus of AIRMETs is to provide information about widespread and less severe weather phenomena that could still pose hazards to pilots and flight operations. AIRMETs are designed to alert pilots to conditions such as turbulence, icing, and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) weather that may impact safety but are not classified as severe.

In contrast, SIGMETs (Significant Meteorological Information) are issued for severe weather phenomena like thunderstorms, severe turbulence, and volcanic ash that can pose a threat to aircraft. Therefore, the distinction lies in the severity and extent of the weather being reported: AIRMETs address potentially hazardous conditions that are more common and less intense, whereas SIGMETs focus on significant and severe weather events.