In North Carolina, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) is the principle vector of the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and accounts for the majority of vectors captured with aerial traps during the spring when spread of TSWV to crops is greatest. The seasonal pattern of F. fusca dispersal flights from their winter annual weed hosts in the spring exhibits considerable spatial and temporal variation in both magnitude and timing. The present study was directed towards identifying weather factors having the greatest influence on the number of F. fusca caught on yellow-sticky traps during Spring. Using regression analysis of aerial trapping data collected over a 7-year period from 41 locations in North Carolina and Virginia, temperature and precipitation were found to best explain variation in F. fusca spring dispersal flights. Warmer temperatures positively influenced the numbers of dispersing thrips, whereas effects of precipitation varied depending on timing of rainfall events. Earlier rainfall events were found to reduce populations by killing F. fusca larvae. In contrast, later rainfall events increased the number of F. fusca captured; presumably by delaying senescence of their winter annual weed hosts. Characterization of the factors influencing the dynamics of F. fusca spring, dispersal flights is essential to understanding the epidemiology of TSWV and critical for predicting when susceptible crops are at highest risk of infection.