How do you decode Metars and TAFS?
The first three digits are the true direction to the nearest 10 degrees from which the wind is blowing. The next two digits are the sustained speed. If gusts are present, the next two or three digits following the “G” are the “gust,” the maximum wind speed in the last ten minutes.
What does 9999 mean on TAF?
9999. This value represents a visibility greater than 9000. meters (7 SM or more). The contraction CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) may be used when there is no significant weather, the visibility is 10 km or greater, and the ceilings are greater than 5,000 ft.
How do you read a TAF file?
How to read a TAF weather forecast
- Station identifier (KLAX)
- Date and time of forecast (220520Z)
- Valid time period (2206/2312)
- Forecasted wind speed and direction (VRB08KT)
- Forecasted visibility (06SM)
- Forecasted weather conditions (PRSN)
- Forecasted sky conditions (SCT024 BKN030 OVC048)
- Other data.
Why are Metars coded?
The METAR code provides the direction of the wind relative to true north, as well as the average wind speed expressed in knots. After the code that gives the direction and the average speed of the wind, another may appear in the form XXXVYYY, which indicates that the wind direction varies between XXX and YYY.
How do you read aviation weather on a TAF?
The UTC valid period of the forecast is a two-digit date followed by the two-digit beginning hour and two-digit ending hour. Routine TAFs are valid for 24-hours. Valid periods beginning at 0000Z shall be indicated as 00. Valid periods ending at 0000Z shall be indicated as 24.
What does VV mean in METAR?
Vertical Visibility
VV. Vertical Visibility (Indefinite Ceiling) WS. Wind shear (In TAFs, low level and not associated with convective activity)
What Does VC mean in METAR?
“VC” = Vicinity, but not at aerodrome. In the US METAR, 5 to 10 SM from the point of observation.
What does P6SM mean?
plus 6 statute miles visibility
P6SM means plus 6 statute miles visibility, and 2SM means 2 statute miles visibility. SCT025 means scattered clouds at 2500 feet, BKN040 means a broken cloud deck at 4000 feet, etc.
What does PROB30 mean in a TAF?
a slight chance
PROB30 means a slight chance. PROB40 means a medium chance. These are ways for the forecaster to show his/her confidence in this part of the forecast. PROB30 means there is a possibility that warrants a mention, but it probably won’t happen.
What is prob 40?
Probability Forecast
Probability Forecast: ie. The PROB40 group is used when the occurrence of thunderstorms or precipitation is in the 30% to less than 50% range, thus the probability value 40 is appended to the PROB contraction.
What is SCT in METAR?
SCT – Scattered cloud layer 3/8ths to 4/8ths. SKC – Sky Clear. TCU – Towering Cumulus.
What does M01 mean on a METAR?
Temperature. Temperature and dew point are always stated in degrees Celsius in a METAR or TAF. 02/M01 means that the temperature is 36 °F and the dew point is 30 °F. Negative numbers are preceded by an M.
What does Tsra mean in METAR?
Light to moderate thunderstorm with rain
N O A A N A T I O N A L W E A T H E R S E R V I C E
| METAR Code | Description |
|---|---|
| GR | Moderate to heavy showers with hail, not with thunder |
| Thunderstorms | |
| TSRA | Light to moderate thunderstorm with rain |
| TSGR | Light to moderate thunderstorm with hail |