What type of weather conditions can significantly affect helicopter performance?

Strong winds and turbulence can significantly impact helicopter performance due to their effects on flight stability, control, and safety. Helicopters are inherently sensitive to changes in wind conditions. Strong winds can lead to increased difficulty during takeoff, landing, and in-flight maneuvers. For example, crosswinds can challenge a pilot's ability to maintain a stable approach during landing, while gusty conditions can cause sudden changes in altitude and direction, complicating flight paths.

Additionally, turbulence can cause abrupt changes in airflow around the helicopter, leading to a loss of lift in some areas or increased drag in others. This not only affects the comfort and safety of the flight but also places additional stress on the aircraft's structural components. Pilots must be trained and prepared to handle such conditions, often requiring them to adjust their flying techniques or consider postponing flights when adverse weather is present.

In contrast, conditions like clear skies generally provide a safe and stable environment for flying. Warm temperatures and low humidity typically do not present challenges that significantly affect performance in the same way that strong winds and turbulence do. While they might influence engine performance or lift generation to some degree, the immediate safety concerns posed by turbulent winds and strong gusts make them far more critical for helicopter operations.