What do the METAR and Taf codes mean?
The Aircrew Quick Reference Guide to the METAR and TAF Codes is designed to help aircrews quickly and clearly translate METAR and TAF codes into plain language. See references in Attachment 1 for a listing of source documents. METAR codes report observed weather conditions by airfield; TAF codes report forecasted weather conditions by airfield.
Which is the correct format for a METAR?
A METAR has a fixed format. The definition of each part can be found below. Click on the item to jump to the correct paragraph. Example: Indicates whether it is a planned sighting METAR or intermediate sighting (SPECI). The SPECI is not much used anymore because most weather stations issue a new observation every half hour.
What do aircrews need to know about METAR codes?
Aircrews should check METAR/TAF codes thoroughly for all hazards to flying safety, including thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, wind shear, and other elements that may significantly affect their aircraft.
What happens if there is no METAR station on an airport?
If there is no METAR station on that airport, we will show the closest METAR in combination with the runways of the chosen space. In addition to a decoded METAR and TAF, you will also see the crosswind components. The color codes you see on the site are calculated based on the visibility values and cloud base.
How to do a TAF forecast for an airport?
Key to Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) and Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) (Front) Key to Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) and Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) (Front) TAF KPIT 091730Z 0918/1024 15005KT 5SM HZ FEW020 WS010/31022KT FM091930 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 TEMPO 0920/0922 1/2SM +TSRA OVC008CB
What do you need to know about METAR reports?
The format of METAR reports is standardized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) throughout the whole world. A METAR report contains information on the current weather conditions of the facility releasing the report. It is released according to a regular schedule unless sudden or exceptional weather changes occur.
How often does the TAF Weather Report come out?
It is a report released by large airports that summarizes the weather forecast for the area covered by five statute miles from the location of the airport. A TAF report is valid for 24 to 30-hour time periods and is typically updated four times a day.
Where to find METARs form results for aviation weather?
KSFO 092256Z 27019G26KT 10SM FEW017 SCT027 BKN035 18/07 A3018 RMK AO2 PK WND 28026/2247 SLP219 T01830072 KSFO (SAN FRANCISCO , CA, US) observed 2256 UTC 09 June 2021
When to use CAVOK or p6sm for TAF?
CAVOK is used when there is no significant weather, the visibility is 10 km or greater, and the ceilings are greater than 5,000 ft. In the CONUS, civilian TAFS forecast visibility in statute miles up to 6 statute miles, beyond which P6SM is used to indicate forecast visibility greater than 6 statute miles.
What is the difference between METAR and SPECI?
METAR(Aviation Routine Weather Report) refers to a scheduled observation taken between 55-59 minutes past the hour (also referred to as a routine hourly observation). SPECI(Special Report) refers to an unscheduled observation that met a predefined criteria (such as a change from VFR to IFR) and may be taken at 00-54 minutes past the hour.
How to decode an ASOS METAR observation?
KEY TO DECODE AN ASOS (METAR) OBSERVATION METAR KABC 121755Z AUTO 21016G24KT 180V240 1SM R11/P6000FT – RA BR BKN015 OVC025 06/04 A2990 RMK AO2 PK WND 20032/25 WSHFT 1715 VIS 3/4V1 1/2 VIS 3/4 RWY11 RAB07 CIG 013V017 CIG 017 RWY11 PRESFR SLP125 P0003 600 09 T00640036 10066 21012 58033 TSNO $ TYPE OF REPORT
What does METAR stand for in aviation category?
METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report) refers to a scheduled observation taken between 55-59 minutes past the hour (also referred to as a routine hourly observation).