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Decoding Airport Weather Reports: A Comprehensive Guide

June 22, 2026 · The Clime Team
Decoding Airport Weather Reports: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding airport weather reports is crucial for pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in air travel. These reports provide detailed information about current and forecasted conditions at airports, ensuring safety and informed decision-making.

What Are METAR and TAF Reports?

In aviation, two primary types of weather reports are used:

  • METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report): An hourly observation of current weather conditions at an airport, including wind speed and direction, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting.

  • TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast): A forecast of expected weather conditions within a 5-statute-mile radius of an airport, typically valid for 24 to 30 hours.

Decoding a METAR Report

A standard METAR report follows a specific format:

METAR [Station Identifier] [Date and Time] [Wind Information] [Visibility] [Weather Phenomena] [Cloud Cover] [Temperature/Dew Point] [Altimeter Setting] [Remarks]

For example:

METAR KJFK 121651Z 18012G20KT 10SM -RA FEW025 SCT080 BKN200 22/16 A2992 RMK AO2

Breaking it down:

  • KJFK: Station identifier (John F. Kennedy International Airport)

  • 121651Z: Date and time of observation (12th day at 1651 UTC)

  • 18012G20KT: Wind from 180 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots

  • 10SM: Visibility of 10 statute miles

  • -RA: Light rain

  • FEW025 SCT080 BKN200: Cloud cover at various altitudes (few clouds at 2,500 feet, scattered at 8,000 feet, broken at 20,000 feet)

  • 22/16: Temperature of 22°C and dew point of 16°C

  • A2992: Altimeter setting of 29.92 inches of mercury

  • RMK AO2: Automated station with precipitation sensor

For a more detailed breakdown, refer to this guide: (aviatopia.com)

Decoding a TAF Report

A standard TAF report includes:

TAF [Station Identifier] [Date and Time of Origin] [Valid Period] [Forecasted Conditions]

For example:

TAF KJFK 121100Z 1212/1312 34012KT P6SM SCT025 BKN040 TEMPO 1212/1218 5SM -SHRA BKN020 FM121800 36018G30KT 3SM RA OVC015

Breaking it down:

  • KJFK: Station identifier

  • 121100Z: Date and time of origin (12th day at 1100 UTC)

  • 1212/1312: Valid period from 12th day at 1200 UTC to 13th day at 1200 UTC

  • 34012KT: Wind from 340 degrees at 12 knots

  • P6SM: Visibility greater than 6 statute miles

  • SCT025 BKN040: Scattered clouds at 2,500 feet, broken at 4,000 feet

  • TEMPO 1212/1218 5SM -SHRA BKN020: Temporary conditions between 12th day at 1200 UTC and 1218 UTC, visibility 5 statute miles, light rain showers, broken clouds at 2,000 feet

  • FM121800 36018G30KT 3SM RA OVC015: From 12th day at 1800 UTC, wind from 360 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 30 knots, visibility 3 statute miles, rain, overcast clouds at 1,500 feet

For a more detailed breakdown, refer to this guide: (aviatopia.com)

Using Planes Live to Access Airport Weather Reports

For real-time METAR and TAF reports, Planes Live offers a user-friendly platform that provides up-to-date weather information for airports worldwide. By entering the ICAO or IATA code of the desired airport, users can access the latest weather observations and forecasts, aiding in flight planning and decision-making.

Conclusion

Decoding airport weather reports is essential for understanding current and forecasted conditions at airports. By familiarizing yourself with METAR and TAF formats and utilizing tools like Planes Live, you can ensure informed decisions and enhance safety in aviation activities.

Highlights:

Frequently Asked Questions