Clime
← Back to Blog
Guides

Understanding METAR and TAF Weather Reports for Your Arrival Airport

June 22, 2026 · The Clime Team
Understanding METAR and TAF Weather Reports for Your Arrival Airport

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

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. While METAR reports current weather observations, TAFs provide forecasts for the upcoming 24 to 30 hours.

How to Read a METAR Report

A METAR report includes several key components:

  • Station Identifier: A four-letter ICAO code representing the airport.
  • Date and Time: The observation date and time in UTC.
  • Wind Information: Direction and speed of the wind.
  • Visibility: Horizontal visibility in meters or statute miles.
  • Weather Phenomena: Descriptions of current weather conditions, such as rain or fog.
  • Sky Conditions: Cloud cover details, including type and altitude.
  • Temperature and Dew Point: Air and dew point temperatures in degrees Celsius.
  • Altimeter Setting: Atmospheric pressure at sea level in inches of mercury.

For example, a METAR report might read:

METAR KATL 221753Z 18015G25KT 10SM SCT020 BKN050 28/22 A3000


This translates to:

- **KATL**: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- **221753Z**: Observation on the 22nd at 17:53 UTC.
- **18015G25KT**: Wind from 180° at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
- **10SM**: Visibility of 10 statute miles.
- **SCT020**: Scattered clouds at 2,000 feet above ground level.
- **BKN050**: Broken clouds at 5,000 feet above ground level.
- **28/22**: Temperature of 28°C and dew point of 22°C.
- **A3000**: Altimeter setting of 30.00 inches of mercury.

## How to Read a TAF Report

A TAF report provides forecasted weather conditions and includes:

- **Station Identifier**: Same as in METAR.
- **Date and Time**: The forecast issue time in UTC.
- **Forecast Period**: Start and end times of the forecast.
- **Wind Information**: Forecasted wind direction and speed.
- **Visibility**: Expected visibility.
- **Weather Phenomena**: Forecasted weather conditions.
- **Sky Conditions**: Expected cloud cover.
- **Change Indicators**: Details on expected changes in weather conditions.

For example, a TAF report might read:

TAF KATL 221730Z 2218/2318 18015G25KT P6SM SCT020 BKN050 FM222200 27012KT P6SM FEW050 TEMPO 2300/2306 3SM -TSRA BKN030CB BECMG 2306/2308 24008KT P6SM SCT050

This translates to:

  • KATL: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
  • 221730Z: Forecast issued on the 22nd at 17:30 UTC.
  • 2218/2318: Forecast valid from the 22nd at 18:00 UTC to the 23rd at 18:00 UTC.
  • 18015G25KT: Wind from 180° at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
  • P6SM: Visibility greater than 6 statute miles.
  • SCT020: Scattered clouds at 2,000 feet above ground level.
  • BKN050: Broken clouds at 5,000 feet above ground level.
  • FM222200 27012KT: From 22nd at 22:00 UTC, wind from 270° at 12 knots.
  • P6SM: Visibility greater than 6 statute miles.
  • FEW050: Few clouds at 5,000 feet above ground level.
  • TEMPO 2300/2306 3SM -TSRA BKN030CB: Temporary conditions between 23:00 and 06:00 UTC on the 23rd, visibility 3 statute miles, light thunderstorm rain, broken cumulonimbus clouds at 3,000 feet.
  • BECMG 2306/2308 24008KT P6SM SCT050: Becoming between 06:00 and 08:00 UTC on the 23rd, wind from 240° at 8 knots, visibility greater than 6 statute miles, scattered clouds at 5,000 feet above ground level.

How Planes Live Can Help

Understanding METAR and TAF reports can be complex, especially for travelers unfamiliar with aviation weather terminology. Planes Live offers a user-friendly platform that simplifies this information, providing real-time weather updates and forecasts for your arrival airport. With Planes Live, you can access clear and concise weather information, ensuring you're well-prepared for your journey.

Conclusion

By familiarizing yourself with METAR and TAF reports, you can gain valuable insights into the weather conditions at your arrival airport. Utilizing tools like Planes Live can further enhance your understanding, making your travel experience more informed and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions