METAR

Definition

METAR is an aviation routine weather report that provides meteorological information about airports and other locations. These reports are generated at regular intervals, typically every hour, and include essential data such as temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction, visibility, cloud cover, and significant weather events. Understanding METAR is crucial for ensuring safe flight operations and effective aviation meteorology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. METAR reports are issued every hour and can include remarks that provide additional context about changing weather conditions.
2. The data in a METAR report follows a specific format that is standardized internationally, making it easily interpretable by pilots and meteorologists worldwide.
3. METARs can be generated from automated weather stations or manually by meteorologists at the site of the observation.
4. Pilots rely heavily on METARs for real-time updates on current weather conditions at departure and arrival airports to make informed decisions during flight planning.
5. In addition to routine hourly reports, special METARs can be issued to inform about significant changes in weather conditions that may affect aviation safety.

Review Questions

• How does a METAR report differ from a TAF in terms of purpose and frequency?
  • A METAR report provides real-time observations of current weather conditions at an airport, issued hourly, while a TAF offers a forecast for the same location over a longer period, usually 24 to 30 hours. The METAR focuses on actual data like temperature, wind, and visibility, which are critical for immediate flight operations. In contrast, the TAF helps pilots anticipate future weather changes that could impact flight plans.
• Discuss the importance of METAR reports in ensuring aviation safety and effective flight planning.
  • METAR reports play a vital role in aviation safety by providing pilots with up-to-date information on current weather conditions at their departure and arrival airports. This timely data enables pilots to make informed decisions regarding takeoff, landing, and route adjustments during flight. By consistently monitoring METAR reports, flight planners can better assess potential risks associated with adverse weather conditions, leading to safer and more efficient operations.
• Evaluate how METAR reports integrate with other aviation weather advisories like AIRMETs and SIGMETs to enhance operational safety.
  • METAR reports work alongside AIRMETs and SIGMETs to create a comprehensive picture of aviation weather. While METARs provide immediate observational data, AIRMETs alert pilots to less severe but potentially hazardous conditions that could affect aircraft performance. SIGMETs focus on severe weather phenomena. Together, these reports ensure that pilots receive timely information about both current conditions and potential threats, allowing them to make proactive decisions to maintain safety in flight operations.

Related terms

TAF: Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is a weather forecast specifically for the area around an airport, typically covering a period of 24 to 30 hours.

AIRMET: AIRMET is an in-flight weather advisory that provides information on potentially hazardous weather conditions that could affect aircraft operations.

SIGMET: SIGMET is a significant weather advisory that alerts pilots to severe weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, turbulence, or volcanic ash that may impact flight safety.