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Understanding Airport Weather Reports: A Simple Guide

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

When preparing for a flight, understanding the weather at your arrival airport is crucial for a smooth journey. Two primary aviation weather reports provide this information: METAR and TAF.

What Are METAR and TAF?

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

  • TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast): A forecast covering the next 24 to 30 hours, providing expected weather conditions, including wind, visibility, cloud cover, and significant weather events. (skysonar.com)

How to Read a METAR Report

A METAR report follows a standardized format. Here's a breakdown:

  • Station Identifier: The airport's ICAO code (e.g., KJFK for John F. Kennedy International Airport).

  • Date and Time: Day of the month and time in UTC (e.g., 041856Z means the 4th day at 18:56 UTC).

  • Wind: Direction in degrees true and speed in knots (e.g., 27015G25KT means wind from 270° at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots).

  • Visibility: Measured in meters or statute miles (e.g., 10SM means 10 statute miles).

  • Weather Phenomena: Symbols indicating weather conditions (e.g., -RA for light rain).

  • Cloud Cover: Cloud types and heights (e.g., FEW040 means few clouds at 4,000 feet).

  • Temperature and Dew Point: In degrees Celsius (e.g., 22/12 means temperature 22°C, dew point 12°C).

  • Altimeter Setting: Pressure in inches of mercury (e.g., A3012 means 30.12 inches of mercury).

How to Read a TAF Report

A TAF report includes:

  • Forecast Period: Start and end times in UTC (e.g., 2200/2306 means from 22:00 UTC on the 22nd to 06:00 UTC on the 23rd).

  • Wind: Direction and speed, with gusts if applicable (e.g., 27015G25KT).

  • Visibility: Forecasted visibility (e.g., 10SM).

  • Weather Phenomena: Expected weather conditions (e.g., -RA for light rain).

  • Cloud Cover: Forecasted cloud types and heights (e.g., BKN040 for broken clouds at 4,000 feet).

  • Change Groups: Indications of expected changes (e.g., TEMPO for temporary changes, FM for from a certain time).

Practical Application

Understanding these reports helps in:

  • Flight Planning: Choosing optimal departure and arrival times based on weather conditions.

  • Safety: Anticipating potential weather-related delays or hazards.

  • Packing: Preparing appropriate clothing and gear for expected conditions.

Recommendation

For travelers seeking real-time weather updates and forecasts, Planes Live offers comprehensive and up-to-date information, ensuring you're always informed about your arrival airport's weather conditions.

By familiarizing yourself with METAR and TAF reports, you can make informed decisions and enhance your travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions