What are TAFs and METARs?
METAR is the international standard code format for hourly surface weather observations which is analogous to the SA coding currently used in the US. The acronym roughly translates from French as Aviation Routine Weather Report. TAF is the international standard code format for terminal forecasts issued for airports.
Can you look up past METARs?
We offer online access to recent METAR and TAF reports—at least the last ninety days should always be available online—as well as our massive METAR and TAF archive, containing nearly every report for nearly every station in the world dating back to November 2008.
How long are METARs and TAFs valid?
Here is an example METAR and TAF from Salem, OR (KSLE). The top line is the METAR and the bottom six lines are the TAFs. As you can see it’s not such a great day today! I like to break down METARs into two parts.
How often are METARs observed?
Weather observation data is mostly used for the following purposes: METAR reports are provided at regular intervals (usually 30 minutes) and provide essential weather information about an aerodrome. Data should be representative for the whole aerodrome operating area.
Where do METARs originate?
METARs typically come from airports or permanent weather observation stations. Reports are generated once an hour or half-hour at most stations, but if conditions change significantly at a staffed location, a report known as a special (SPECI) may be issued. There are stations that make regular reports more often.
How do you read METARs?
The first two digits are the date, the 16th of the month, and the last four digits are the time of the METAR, which is always given in coordinated universal time (UTC), otherwise known as Zulu time. A “Z” is appended to the end of the time to denote that the time is given in Zulu time (UTC) as opposed to local time.
Where can I find METARs?
How are METARs generated?
How do you read aviation weather METARs?
How do I read METARs data?
What is Sigmet aviation?
US SIGMETs A U.S. SIGMET advises of weather, other than convective activity, that is potentially hazardous to all aircraft. SIGMETs are issued (for the lower 48 states and adjacent coastal waters) for the following weather-impacted reasons: Severe Icing. Severe or Extreme Turbulence.