According to CNN meteorologist Pedram Javaheri, conditions were clear and calm when the plane crossed over the Mediterranean Sea

"The area in question in the eastern Mediterranean is currently under clear skies, but computer models suggest a storm system may impact the region as early as Friday afternoon," he said.

"Once the plane reached the Adriatic Sea, several hours into its journey, clouds were beginning to clear and it remained that way for at least another 1-2 hours before the plane's final known location."

If there are any survivors, there's still a window to save them.

"The water temperatures in the eastern Mediterranean near Egypt are in the low 20s Celsius [mid to low 70s Fahrenheit]," Javaheri said.

"Survival times in such waters range from 2-7 hours for the elderly or individuals in poor health, while they range anywhere from 2 to 40 hours for healthier individuals."

 

Freak thunderstorms a real threat to air safety