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Understanding Airport Weather Reports: A Guide to METAR and TAF

June 22, 2026 · The Clime Team
Understanding Airport Weather Reports: A Guide to METAR and TAF

When planning a flight, it's crucial to understand the current and forecasted weather conditions at both departure and arrival airports. Two primary sources provide this information: METAR and TAF reports.

What Are METAR and TAF Reports?

METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) and TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) are standardized formats for reporting and forecasting weather conditions at airports.

  • METAR: Provides current weather observations, typically updated every hour, detailing conditions such as wind speed and direction, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, dew point, and barometric pressure. (weather.gov)

  • TAF: Offers weather forecasts for the area within approximately 5 nautical miles of an airport, valid for 24 to 30 hours, including expected wind, visibility, weather phenomena, and cloud cover. (metarcentral.com)

How to Read METAR Reports

A METAR report is structured in a standardized format, allowing for quick interpretation of essential weather information. Here's a breakdown of a typical METAR:

  • Station Identifier: A four-letter ICAO code representing the airport (e.g., KJFK for John F. Kennedy International Airport).

  • Date and Time: The day of the month and time of observation in UTC (e.g., 041600Z indicates the 4th day of the month at 16:00 UTC).

  • Wind Information: Wind direction in degrees true and speed in knots (e.g., 12012MPS means wind from 120° at 12 meters per second).

  • Visibility: Measured in meters or statute miles (e.g., 1400 means 1,400 meters).

  • Weather Phenomena: Current weather conditions, such as precipitation or fog (e.g., +SN indicates heavy snow).

  • Cloud Cover: Cloud base heights and coverage (e.g., BKN022 means broken clouds at 2,200 feet above ground level).

  • Temperature and Dew Point: Measured in degrees Celsius (e.g., M04/M07 means temperature is -4°C and dew point is -7°C).

  • Altimeter Setting: Atmospheric pressure in hectopascals (e.g., Q1020 means 1,020 hPa).

How to Read TAF Reports

A TAF report is also structured in a standardized format, providing forecasted weather information. Key components include:

  • Header Line: Indicates the type of report, station identifier, issue time, and validity period (e.g., TAF KJFK 251130Z 2512/2612).

  • Base Forecast: Initial expected conditions (e.g., 31012KT P6SM FEW040 BKN250).

  • Change Groups: Details significant changes in weather conditions, such as:

    • FM (From): Indicates a significant change at a specific time (e.g., FM251800 27015G25KT P6SM SCT030 BKN060).

    • TEMPO: Temporary conditions expected during a specific period (e.g., TEMPO 2520/2524 4SM -SHRA BKN025).

    • BECMG: Gradual changes expected over a period (e.g., BECMG 2602/2604 33010KT P6SM FEW050).

    • PROB: Probability of a specific condition occurring (e.g., PROB30 2520/2524 4SM -SHRA BKN025).

Utilizing METAR and TAF Reports with Planes Live

For aviation enthusiasts and professionals, staying updated with real-time weather information is essential. Planes Live offers comprehensive coverage of METAR and TAF reports, providing users with timely and accurate weather data for airports worldwide. This service is invaluable for flight planning, ensuring you have the most current information at your fingertips.

Conclusion

Understanding METAR and TAF reports is fundamental for tracking weather conditions at airports. By familiarizing yourself with these reports and utilizing tools like Planes Live, you can ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

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