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NAPPF
METAR & TAF
LINK to METAR
LINK to TAF
Link to METAR TAF
Abbreviations
METAR
Jim Sweeney, NAPPF President and USUA Board Member
METAR contains an hourly report of wind, visibility, runway visual range,
present weather, sky condition, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting
collectively referred to as "the body of the report." Jim joins us to show us
how to break the code of and get good weather information out of a METAR. In
fact Jim has provided some
examples to work on. Learn information that will help you transition to
Sport Pilot. (5/11/03)
METAR
Aviation Routine Weather Reports
KPIT 201955Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM TSRA OVC010
18/16 A2992
To help remember the sequence, think of 3W's at the beginning -
Where, When, and Wind
KPIT
WHERE
KPIT is the
ICAO station identifier.
KPIT 201955Z
WHEN
201955Z is
the 20th day of the month.
201955Z at
1955Z time
Time Correction/Conversion
To get the local time of the METAR observation, use the following:
EDT Zulu - 4 hours = EDT
EST Zulu - 5 hours = EDT
CDT Zulu - 5 hours = CDT
CST Zulu - 6 hours = CST
MDT Zulu - 6 hours = MDT
MST Zulu - 7 hours = MST
PDT Zulu - 7 hours = PDT
PST Zulu - 8 hours = PST
KPIT 201955Z
22015G25KT
WIND
22015G25KT
is reported as the 3 digit true direction to the nearest 10 degrees.
(Note: ATC towers, ATIS and airport advisory service report wind as magnetic.)
22015G25KT next
is the 2 or 3 digit speed.
22015G25KT a "G"
comes next if the wind is gusting.
22015G25KT
followed by the 2 or 3 digit maximum speed and units (KT).
00000KT for calm winds.
KPIT 201955Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM
VISIBILITY
3/4SM
meaning 3/4 statue mile visibility. Miles and fractions are also reported
(e.g.,
2 3/4SM
for 2 and 3/4 statute miles visibility).
KPIT 201955Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM TSRA
SIGNIFICANT PRESENT WEATHER
TSRA:
Thunderstorm/Moderate Rain
Format is a two character descriptor (TS, SH, BL)
sometimes followed by a two character weather phenomenon (BR, DZ,
HZ, RA, SN, FG).
Intensity or proximity of weather phenomenon:
"-" Light, "+" Heavy, "no sign" Moderate,
"VC" In the vicinity
KPIT 201955Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM TSRA OVC010
CLOUDS
OVC010:
Specifies cloud amount, height, and type.
Overcast
clouds are present at 1000 feet
Cloud height is reported in hundreds of feet.
The clouds are categorized based on eighths of the sky:
SKC Sky Clear
FEW >1/8 – 2/8
SCT 3/8 – 4/8
BKN 5/8 – 7/8
OVC 8/8
KPIT 201955Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM TSRA OVC010
18/16
Temperature/Dew Point
18/16: Temperature/Dew Point listed in
degrees Celsius.
When temperatures are below zero degrees Celsius, they are preceded
by "M" for Minus (e.g., 10/M06 for temperature 10
degrees C, dew point Minus 6 degrees C).
KPIT 201955Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM TSRA OVC010
18/16 A2992
Altimeter Setting
A2992 Altimeter Setting "A"
indicates setting in inches of mercury for
United States.
Consists of 4 digits: inches and hundredths.
KPIT 201955Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM TSRA OVC010 18/16 A2992
RMK AO2
Remarks
RMK AO2
An ASOS/AWOS report can be identified by the term A01 or
A02 in the remarks (RMK) section.
AO1 Automated Observation without precipitation discriminator
(rain/snow)
AO2 Automated Observation with precipitation discriminator
(rain/snow)
METAR for Dupage, IL 5/10/04
KDPA 101653Z 22013KT 10SM CLR 27/19 A2997 RMK AO2
KDPA 101753Z 21012KT 10SM TS SCT050 27/18 A2996 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT
SW-N TSB14
KDPA 101830Z 29012G22KT 10SM -TSRA SCT055 SCT100 23/18 A2996 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1810
LTG DSNT NW-NE RAB23
KDPA 101853Z 28008KT 10SM VCTS CLR 24/19 A2995 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1810 LTG DSNT W-NE
RAB23E40
KDPA 101900Z 29008KT 10SM CLR 26/19 A2995 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT N AND W TSE1854
KDPA 101933Z 31010KT 10SM TS FEW060 SCT090 24/19
A2994 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W AND NW TSE1854B27
Resources
Current hourly aviation weather observations (METAR)
and terminal forecasts (TAF) can be found at
adds.aviationweather.gov/metars/
A study guide for reading and understanding aviation hourly weather observations
and terminal forecasts
The FAA publication Weather Formats: METAR/TAF (FAA/ARW-200/99/001) is
available from the FSDO, Wings Programs or from the FAA at 202 366 1107. It is
also available for download as a PDF file at
http://www.asy.faa.gov/safety_products/metar_taf.pdf
TAF
Jim Sweeney, NAPPF President and USUA Board Member
Last time Jim was with us, he talked about METAR which is an hourly report of
current weather conditions. This time we talk about the TAF, which is a Terminal
Aerodrome Forecast. Jim helps us to decode this helpful weather tool. As before,
Jim has provided some examples
to work on. Learn information that will help you transition to Sport Pilot.
(5/25/03)
TAF
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
TAF
KPIT 091730Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM2030 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 TEMPO 2022 1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB
FM0100 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 PROB40 0407 00000KT 1SM -RA BR
FM1000 22010KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020 BECMG 1315 20010KT P6SM NSW SKC
Decode
The Where,
When, and Wind trick works with TAF
TAF
KPIT 091730Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA
BKN020
Where
KPIT is the
ICAO station identifier
KPIT 091730Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA
BKN020
When
091730Z This
is the forecast for the 9th day of the month with an issuance time of
1730Z or
UTC. This is a 2 digit date and 4 digit time.
KPIT 091730Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA
BKN020
091818 is
the valid period with the first two digits containing the day of the month (09).
091818 the
second two digits specify the hour beginning the forecast period (1800Z).
091818 the last
two digits are the hour ending the forecast period (1800Z on the next day
the
10th).
KPIT 091730Z 091818
22020KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
Wind
22020KT is
reported as the 3 digit true direction to the nearest 10 degrees.
(Note: ATC towers, ATIS and airport advisory service report wind as
magnetic.)
22020KT next is
the 2 or 3 digit speed and units (KT).
00000KT for calm winds
KPIT 091730Z 091818 22020KT
3SM -SHRA BKN020
Visibility
3SM Three statute miles
KPIT 091730Z 091818 22020KT 3SM
-SHRA BKN020
SIGNIFICANT PRESENT WEATHER
-SHRA:
Showers/Light Rain
Format is a two character descriptor
(TS, SH, BL)
sometimes followed by a two character weather phenomenon
(BR, DZ, HZ, RA, SN, FG)
Intensity or proximity of weather phenomenon:
"-" Light, "+" Heavy, "no sign"
Moderate
"VC" In the vicinity
KPIT 091730Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
CLOUDS
BKN020:
Specifies cloud amount, height, and type.
Broken clouds are present at 2000 feet
Cloud height is reported in hundreds of feet
The clouds are categorized based on eighths of the sky:
SKC Sky Clear
FEW >1/8 – 2/8
SCT 3/8 – 4/8
BKN 5/8 – 7/8
OVC 8/8
FM2030 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015
TEMPO 2022 1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB
When
FM2030 From
2030Z or UTC time Indicates hours and minutes
FM2030
30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 TEMPO 2022 1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB
Wind
30015G25KT is reported as the 3 digit true
direction to the nearest 10 degrees.
(Note: ATC towers, ATIS and airport advisory service report wind as
magnetic.)
30015G25KT next
is the 2 or 3 digit speed.
30015G25KT a "G"
comes next if the wind is gusting.
30015G25KT
followed by the 2 or 3 digit maximum speed and units (KT).
FM2030 30015G25KT
3SM SHRA OVC015 TEMPO 2022 1/2SM TSRA
OVC008CB
Visibility
3SM 3 Statute Miles
FM2030 30015G25KT 3SM
SHRA OVC015 TEMPO 2022 1/2SM TSRA
OVC008CB
Weather
SHRA: Showers/Moderate Rain
Format is a two character descriptor
(TS, SH, BL)
sometimes followed by a two character weather phenomenon
(BR, DZ, HZ, RA, SN, FG)
Intensity or proximity of weather phenomenon:
"-" Light, "+" Heavy, "no sign"
Moderate
"VC" In the vicinity
FM2030 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA
OVC015 TEMPO 2022 1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB
Clouds
OVC015: Specifies cloud amount, height, and
type.
Overcast clouds are present at 1500 feet
Cloud height is reported in hundreds of feet
The clouds are categorized based on eighths of the sky:
SKC Sky Clear
FEW >1/8 – 2/8
SCT 3/8 – 4/8
BKN 5/8 – 7/8
OVC 8/8
FM2030 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015
TEMPO 2022 1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB
When
TEMPO 2022 Temporary changes expected between
2000Z and 2200Z.
FM2030 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 TEMPO 2022
1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB
Visibility, Weather, Clouds
1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB
FM0100
27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 PROB40 0407 00000KT 1SM -RA BR
When
FM0100
FM0100 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040
PROB40 0407 00000KT 1SM -RA BR
Wind 27008KT
FM0100 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040
PROB40 0407 00000KT 1SM -RA BR
Visibility 5SM
FM0100 27008KT 5SM
-SHRA BKN020 OVC040 PROB40 0407 00000KT
1SM -RA BR
Weather -SHRA
FM0100 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040
PROB40 0407 00000KT 1SM -RA BR
When
PROB40 0407
There is a 40 percent probability
of this
condition occurring between 0400Z
and 0700Z.
FM0100 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 PROB40 0407
00000KT 1SM -RA BR
Wind
00000KT
FM0100 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 PROB40
0407 00000KT 1SM -RA BR
Visibility 1SM
FM0100 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 PROB40
0407 00000KT 1SM -RA BR
Weather -RA BR
FM1000 22010KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020 BECMG 1315 20010KT P6SM NSW SKC
When
FM1000
Wind
22010KT
Visibility
5SM
Weather
-SHRA
Clouds
OVC020
When BECMG 1315
Conditions Becoming
as described
between 1300Z and 1500Z
Wind
20010KT
Visibility P6SM
Weather
NSW
Clouds
SKC
TAF for Dupage, IL 5/25/04
KDPA 251124Z 251212 02008KT P6SM SCT008 BKN020 OVC090
TEMPO 1215 BKN007 OVC025
FM1500 36010KT P6SM BKN020 OVC120
FM2100 34008KT P6SM SCT025 OVC120
FM0700 31006KT P6SM BKN020 OVC200
METAR TAF - Abbreviations
AO1 Automated Observation without
precipitation discriminator (rain/snow)
AO2 Automated Observation with precipitation discriminator (rain/snow)
AMD Amended Forecast (TAF)
BECMG Becoming (expected between 2 digit beginning hour and 2 digit
ending hour)
BKN Broken 5-7 octas (eighths) cloud coverage
CLR Clear at or below 12,000 feet (ASOS/AWOS report)
COR Correction to the observation
FEW 1 or 2 octas (eighths) cloud coverage
FM From (4 digit beginning time in hours and minutes)
LDG Landing M In temperature field means "minus" or below zero
M In RVR listing indicates visibility less than lowest reportable sensor
value (e.g. M0600)
NO Not available (e.g. SLPNO, RVRNO)
NSW No Significant Weather. Note: NSW only indicates obstruction to
visibility or precipitation previously noted has ended. Low ceilings, wind
shear, and other weather conditions may still exist.
OVC Overcast 8 octas (eighths) cloud coverage
P In RVR indicates visibility greater than highest reportable sensor
value (e.g. P6000FT)
P6SM P6SM Visibility greater than 6 SM (TAF only
PK WND Peak wind
PROB40 Probability 40 percent
R Runway (used in RVR measurement)
RMK Remark
RY/RWY Runway
SCT Scattered 3-4 octas (eighths) cloud coverage
SKC Sky Clear
SLP Sea Level Pressure (e.g., 1001.3 reported as 013)
SM Statue Mile(s)
SPECI Special Report
TEMPO Temporary changes expected (between 2 digit beginning hour and 2
digit ending hour)
TKOF Takeoff, T01760158, 10142, 20012 and 401120084. In Remarks examples
of temperature information
V Varies (wind direction and RVR)
VC Vicinity
VRB Variable wind direction when speed is less than or equal to 6 knots
VV Vertical Visibility (Indefinite Ceiling)
WC Wind shear (In TAFs, low level and not associated with convective
activity)
Descriptors
BC Patches
BL Blowing
DR Low Drifting
FZ Supercooled/Freezing
MI Shallow
PR Partial
SH Showers
TS Thundersto
Weather Phenomena
BR Mist
DS Dust Storm
DU Widespread Dust
DZ Drizzle
FC Funnel Cloud
+FC Tornado/Water Spout
FG Smog
FU Smoke
GR Hail
GS Small Hail/Snow Pellets
HZ Haze
IC Ice Crystals
PE Ice Pellets
PO Dust/Sand Whirls
PY Spray
RA Rain
SA Sand
SG Snow Grains
SN Snow
SQ Squall
SS Sandstorm
UP Unknown Precipitation (Automated Observations)
VA Volcanic Ash
Cloud Types
CB Cumulonimbus
TCU Towering Cumulus
Intensity Values
(-) Light
No Sign Moderate
(+) Heavy
Converting Celsius into Fahrenheit is easy.
Double the Celsius temperature. Then subtract 10% of the doubled temperature.
Finally add 32. You now have the equivalent Fahrenheit temperature.
Here's an example:
To determine the Fahrenheit equivalent of 15c
15°C x 2 = 30°C
30°C x 10% = 3°C
30°C - YC = 27°C
27°C + 32 = 59°F
FA Synopsis
Area Forecasts
![[Under Construction]](undercon.gif){kind=small}
Work in Process
Resources
Current hourly aviation weather observations (METAR) and terminal forecasts
(TAF) can be found at
adds.aviationweather.gov/metars/