The 'chutes drop like rocks too, but the rapid appearance is more noticeable.
I (and some others) despite otherwise good FPS, get serious but brief mega-stutter when a bigger engagement starts and a lot of sound and effects are going on simultaneously, which may be what you are describing...
https://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4491472/1/performance-problem. VonS's useful mod didn't affect this, nor did tweaking graphic settings, so in my case may be due to my somewhat under-par 1.5GB GTX250.
I have the option not to fly in bad weather selected (more realistic IMHO) and still love the variety in clouds, weather and lighting.
I do hope you will post some more screenies in the WotR pics thread here, or accounts of your experiences on the AAR thread, short or long, always good to hear from other players and share our enjoyment.
Good hunting!