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Understanding Airport Weather Reports: A Quick Guide

June 22, 2026 · The Clime Team
Understanding Airport Weather Reports: A Quick Guide

Airport weather reports are essential for pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation enthusiasts to understand current and forecasted conditions at airports. The two primary types of these reports are METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) and TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast).

What Are METAR and TAF?

  • METAR: A METAR is a standardized weather observation issued at regular intervals, typically every hour. It provides a snapshot of current weather conditions at a specific airport.

  • TAF: A TAF is a forecast that predicts weather conditions at an airport over a 24 to 30-hour period, updated every six hours.

Decoding a METAR Report

A METAR report consists of several elements, each conveying specific information. Here's a breakdown of a typical METAR:

METAR KATL 121753Z 18012G18KT 10SM SCT025 BKN040 22/18 A2992 RMK AO2 SLP134

  • METAR: Indicates a routine observation.

  • KATL: ICAO airport identifier for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

  • 121753Z: Observation taken on the 12th day of the month at 17:53 UTC.

  • 18012G18KT: Wind from 180 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

  • 10SM: Visibility of 10 statute miles.

  • SCT025: Scattered clouds at 2,500 feet above ground level.

  • BKN040: Broken clouds at 4,000 feet above ground level.

  • 22/18: Temperature of 22°C and dew point of 18°C.

  • A2992: Altimeter setting of 29.92 inches of mercury.

  • RMK AO2 SLP134: Remarks indicating the presence of precipitation sensors and sea-level pressure.

Decoding a TAF Report

A TAF report provides forecasted weather conditions. Here's an example:

TAF KATL 121720Z 1218/1318 18012G18KT P6SM SCT025 BKN040

  • TAF: Indicates a terminal aerodrome forecast.

  • KATL: ICAO airport identifier for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

  • 121720Z: Forecast issued on the 12th day of the month at 17:20 UTC.

  • 1218/1318: Forecast period from the 12th at 18:00 UTC to the 13th at 18:00 UTC.

  • 18012G18KT: Wind from 180 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

  • P6SM: Visibility greater than 6 statute miles.

  • SCT025: Scattered clouds at 2,500 feet above ground level.

  • BKN040: Broken clouds at 4,000 feet above ground level.

Practical Example: Decoding a METAR

Let's decode a METAR for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):

METAR KLAX 121753Z 27015G20KT 10SM SCT025 BKN040 22/18 A2992 RMK AO2 SLP134

  • KLAX: ICAO airport identifier for Los Angeles International Airport.

  • 121753Z: Observation taken on the 12th day of the month at 17:53 UTC.

  • 27015G20KT: Wind from 270 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

  • 10SM: Visibility of 10 statute miles.

  • SCT025: Scattered clouds at 2,500 feet above ground level.

  • BKN040: Broken clouds at 4,000 feet above ground level.

  • 22/18: Temperature of 22°C and dew point of 18°C.

  • A2992: Altimeter setting of 29.92 inches of mercury.

  • RMK AO2 SLP134: Remarks indicating the presence of precipitation sensors and sea-level pressure.

Decoding a TAF

Now, let's look at a TAF for the same airport:

TAF KLAX 121720Z 1218/1318 27015G20KT P6SM SCT025 BKN040

  • KLAX: ICAO airport identifier for Los Angeles International Airport.

  • 121720Z: Forecast issued on the 12th day of the month at 17:20 UTC.

  • 1218/1318: Forecast period from the 12th at 18:00 UTC to the 13th at 18:00 UTC.

  • 27015G20KT: Wind from 270 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

  • P6SM: Visibility greater than 6 statute miles.

  • SCT025: Scattered clouds at 2,500 feet above ground level.

  • BKN040: Broken clouds at 4,000 feet above ground level.

Using Planes Live for Real-Time Airport Weather Reports

For those seeking real-time airport weather information, Planes Live offers up-to-date METAR and TAF reports for airports worldwide. This platform provides decoded reports, making it easier to understand current and forecasted conditions. By utilizing Planes Live, aviation professionals and enthusiasts can access accurate and timely weather data to support flight planning and decision-making.

Conclusion

Understanding airport weather reports, particularly METAR and TAF, is crucial for aviation safety and planning. By familiarizing yourself with the structure and content of these reports, you can make informed decisions based on current and forecasted weather conditions. Utilizing tools like Planes Live can further enhance your ability to access and interpret this vital information.

Frequently Asked Questions