1. METAR/TAF YOUR “NEW” AVIATION WEATHER FORMAT
LAN AFSS /95
Upgrades and formatting by : Ken Latka
Slide pictures taken by : John Fellows
PS: for authorized use of this program make your check payable to
KEN LATKA...

2. Beginning Oct 1996 NEW METAR/TAF CODES BECOME EFFECTIVE
MILITARY BASES CURRENTLY USING SIMILAR FORMAT
Mexico also using similar format..
Canada will be trained on TAF/METAR in Jan-96 and go on line after the training classes have been successfully completed...

3. What is
METAR/TAF?

4. AVIATION ROUTINE WEATHER REPORTS
METAR
AVIATION ROUTINE WEATHER REPORTS
TAF
AERODROME FORECASTS

5. METAR/TAF SIGNIFICANT CODE CHANGES FOR METAR
ELEMENTS PRESENTED IN A DIFFERENT ORDER

6. Where, When, and Wind KPIT 201955Z 22015G25KT
To help remember the sequence, think
of 3W’s at the beginning...
Where, When, and Wind
KPIT Z G25KT
This works for METAR as well as TAF!

7. The body of METAR WIND / VISIBILITY / WEATHER / SKY CONDITION

8. PIT SA 1955 E10 OVC 3 /4TRW 64/60/2215G25/992/ R28RVR2600
Current U.S. SA
PIT SA 1955 E10 OVC 3 /4TRW 64/60/2215G25/992/ R28RVR2600
1996 U.S. METAR
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
the current way
the future ( effective jul-96 )
will become the standard.....
only TCU and CB are specifically identified in metar observations...

9. METAR/TAF Visibility - Annotated by Statute Miles
Weather Phenomena -SHSN +SHRA
Present 2 Letter Weather Code Dropped
Cloud Types Identified only if CB or TCU
V V - Replaces Indefinite Ceiling
V V001 Same as Old W1X0F
V V/// Means Indefinite Ceiling, Height not Known.
OBSTRUCTIONS TO VISIBILITY
fog (FG) is reported ONLY BY a single element when the vsby is less than 5/8 mi.
otherwise, then FG will be used form 5/8 - 6 mi combined with one of the following qualifers.
PR- partial MI- shallow
BC- patches VC- vicinity
FG - fog (VSBY less than 5/8 mile)
BR - mist (vsby 5/8 - 6 mi )
*There is no provision in the METAR code to report partial obscurations...

10. METAR/TAF ALL TEMPERATURES AND DEWPOINTS WILL BE IN CELSIUS
ALL TEMPERATURES IN 2 DIGITS
BELOW ZERO TEMPS INDICATED BY “M”
EXAMPLE: 02/M03
ALTIMETER ANNOTATED BY “A”
EXAMPLE: A2992

11. METAR/TAF PIT SA 1955 M10 OVC 3/4TRW 132/59/52/2215G25/992/
Current SAO
PIT SA 1955 M10 OVC 3/4TRW 132/59/52/2215G25/992/
R28RRVR2600

12. METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
notice the code changes and the elements presented in a different order..
The body of the Obs begins with the three W’s. Where, When, and Wind.
To help remember the sequence, think of the 3W’s at the beginning---
Where, When, and Wind. This works for METAR as well as TAF!!
NOTE: When METAR data is missing from the body of the report (e.g., dew point), it is simply omitted and the user must know the sequence to recognize this...
A ceiling layer is not designated in the metar code. For aviation purposes, the ceiling is the lowest broken or overcast layer, or vertical vsby in an obscuration. Also ther is no provision for reporting thin layers in the metar code...

13. METAR/TAF
OK, LET’S TEST FLY
METAR !

14. Explanation: Routine Hourly Observation
METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Routine Hourly Observation

15. Explanation: Special or Record Special Report
METAR/TAF
SPECI KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Special or Record Special Report
(COR for correction to observation)

16. METAR/TAR
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Reporting Point Using Four Letters - Domestic U.S. Begins With “K”

17. Explanation: Observation taken on 20thday of month, at 1955 UTC (Zulu)
METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Observation taken on 20thday of month, at 1955 UTC (Zulu)
Time always in 4 digits

18. METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Surface winds from 220 degrees at 15 Knots Gusting to 25 Knots

19. Calm winds indicated by: 00000KT
METAR/TAF
Calm winds indicated by: 00000KT
22015KT 180V260 - When wind direction varies 60 degrees or more and wind is greater than 6 Knots
VRB - When wind direction is variable and speed less than or equal to 6 knots
RMK - Peak wind data reported in remarks section when max. instantaneous speed is greater than 25 knots /15
WIND / WIND SHEAR
WIND
Internationally wind may be reported in knots (KT), kilometers per hour (KMH) or meters per second (MPS)..
WIND SHEAR
Low level wind shear, not associated with convective activity (e.g.,WS015/30045, see Taf) will appear in TAFS in the u.s., canada, and mexico only..

20. Explanation: Visibility is 3/4 STATUTE MILES - Note annotation of “SM”
METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Visibility is 3/4 STATUTE MILES - Note annotation of “SM”
Miles and fractions are also reported (e.g.., 2 3/4SM for 2 and 3/4 miles vis.)

21. Explanation: For Runway 28 Right, The RVR is Reported as 2600 Feet
METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: For Runway 28 Right, The RVR is Reported as 2600 Feet

22. More visibility codes you may see:
METAR/TAF
More visibility codes you may see:
“M” - Indicates RVR is less than lowest reportable sensor value (M600FT)
“P” - Indicates RVR is greater than reportable sensor value (P6000FT)
“V” - Indicates RVR is variable (R06L/2000V4000FT) - Runway 6L RVR is variable between 2000 feet and 4000 feet

23. [ “-” indicates light, “+” indicates heavy ]
METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Thunderstorms and Rainshowers of Moderate Intensity at the time of observation
[ “-” indicates light, “+” indicates heavy ]

24. METAR/TAF Significant Weather Codes:
Format is a two letter character descriptor : (TS, SH, FZ, etc...)
Followed by a two character weather phenomenon ( RA, SN, FG, etc...)
All codes in the abbreviation section of METAR/TAF Booklet

25. METAR/TAF Cloud height is reported in hundreds of feet.
When clouds are towering cumulus or cumulonimbus, TCU or CB will follow cloud heights.

26. METAR/TAF
Clouds are categorized based on eights (octas) of sky cover. SKC SKY CLEAR
FEW OCTAS
SCT OCTAS
BKN OCTAS
OVC OCTAS
OCTAS
OCTAS means, a way of dividing up the sky. The eighth part of a circle. Dividing into 8th’s...Sides of a STOP sign.... Number of sides on the Pentagon plus three sides from the building next door...

27. METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Overcast Cloud Deck at
1000 Feet with Cumulonimbus Clouds
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS are reported as
+TSSHRA

28. METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Temperature is 18 Celsius, Dew Point is 16
Below Zero Reported With Minus as “M06”

29. METAR/TAF
METAR KPIT Z 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992
Explanation: Altimeter Setting - Now Four Digits - In U.S. “A” Indicates Inches of Mercury. “Q” is Metric (HectoPascals) Not used in U.S.

30. METAR/TAF TAF’s Exclude Temperature, Turbulence and Icing Forecast
TAF AMD - Amended Forecast
NSW - No Significant Weather
SKC - Clear Skies
VC - Vicinity, but not at Aerodome; in U.S. (5-10 Statute Miles from Center of Runway Complex)..

31. METAR/TAF
OKAY, LETS TRY A SHORT QUIZ ON METAR !

32. METAR/TAF METAR KATL 101050Z 00000KT 15SM SKC 26/18 A3021
Easy, Right ?

33. DTW SA 1050 5 SCT 10 SCT E18 BKN 25 OVC 7/8SW 10/03/3115G27/937
Current U.S. SA
DTW SA SCT 10 SCT E18 BKN 25 OVC 7/8SW 10/03/3115G27/937
1996 INTERNATIONAL
METAR
METAR EGLL Z 31015G27KT 280V SW 6000N R24LP1500 +SHRA SCT005 SCT010CB BKN018 OVC025 10/03 Q0995
INTERNATIONAL DIFFERENCES
Altimeter settings
The U.S. reports the altimeter settings in inches of mercury
(e.g., A2992) and internationally it will be reported in hectopascals (millibars)
(e.g., Q1013).
WIND
Internationally wind may be reported in knots (KT), kilometers per hour (KMH) or meters per second (MPS).
WIND SHEAR
LLWS, not associated with convective activity (e.g., WSO15/30045KT, see TAF ) will appear in TAF’s in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico only..
VISIBILITY
Internationally, visibility is reported in 4 digits using meters with the direction of the lowest vsby sector (e.g., 6000SW- meaning vsby is lowest at 6000 meters in the southwest). In the U.S., we use prevailing vsby , in statue miles, not the lowest vsby, so the same conditions would be reported differently..

34. METAR ASOS/AWOS
METAR KOWA Z AUTO SM FEW015 SCT025 05/M05 A2992 RMK AO2 SLP013 T
Pilots will notice the METAR/SPECI code and sequence replaces the format on automated weather observations (AWOS / ASOS )..
Remarks (RMK) abbreviation for the type and number of sensors (A01,A02).
A01- attended. A02- unattended.
METAR without human intervention contains the word AUTO..
If the site is attended, the METAR may contain information that has been manually provided by the observer, as in the case of some weather phenomena. The observer’s comments will appear in the RMK section..

36. METAR/TAF
TAF’s are scheduled for issuance four times daily at 00Z, 06Z, 12Z, and 18Z.
TAF, contains a definitive forecast for specific time periods and will replace the Terminal Forecast

37. Current U.S. FT PIT 091818 C20 BKN 3RW.
20Z C15 OVC 3RW OCNL C8 OVC /2 TRW.
23Z C20 BKN 40 OVC 5RW CHC 1RF.
10Z C20 OVC 5R-.13Z CLR...

38. METAR/TAF TAF KPIT 091720Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
BECMG KT P6SM NSW SKC

39. Break it down by time frames! METAR/TAF THE SECRET:
TAF KPIT Z KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
BECMG KT P6SM NSW SKC
THE SECRET:
Break it down
by time frames!

40. HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TIME FRAMES:
METAR/TAF
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TIME FRAMES:
FM FroM and 4-digit group, hour and minute : indicates significant change.
PROB PROBability of condition during 2-digit beginning and 2-digit ending time..
SCHEDULED FOUR TIMES DAILY
for 24-hour periods beginning at 0000z, 0600z, 1200z, and 1800z....

41. HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TIME FRAMES:
METAR/TAF
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TIME FRAMES:
TEMPO TEMPOrary, changes expected for less than 1 hour at a time.
BECMG BECoMinG, changes expected during 2-digit beginning and 2-digit ending time period...
The TEMPO group is used for any conditions in wind, visibility, weather or sky condition which are expected to last for generally less than an hour at a time...

42. METAR/TAF
TAF KPIT Z
Explanation: Pittsburgh, PA, Terminal Forecast Issued on the 9th at 17:20Z and Valid from the 9th starting at 18:00Z until the 10th at 18:00Z

43. METAR/TAF TAF KPIT 091720Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
BECMG KT P6SM NSW SKC

44. METAR/TAF TAF KPIT 091720Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
BECMG KT P6SM NSW SKC

45. METAR/TAF 1818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
Explanation: From the Beginning of the Forecast period (18:00Z) Until the Next Time Frame, the Forecast Winds 220 Degrees at 20Knots, Visibility 3 Statue Miles, in Light Rain Showers with a Broken Ceiling of 2000 Feet

46. METAR/TAF
TAF KPIT Z KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
BECMG KT P6SM NSW SKC

47. FM2000 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB40 2022 1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
METAR/TAF
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
Explanation: The First Part, From 2000Z, Forecast Winds From 300 Degrees at 15 Knots Gusting to 25 Knots, Visibility 3 Statue Miles in Moderate Rain Showers, With an Overcast Ceiling at 1500 Feet.

48. FM2000 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB40 2022 1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
METAR/TAF
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
Explanation: The Second Part, Between, 20Z and 22Z, Forecasts a Probability of the Visibility Going Down to 1/2 Statue Mile in Thunder Storms and Moderate Rain Showers With the Ceiling Lowering to 800 Feet with Cumulonimbus Clouds.

49. METAR/TAF
TAF KPIT Z KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
BECMG KT P6SM NSW SKC

50. FM2300 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO 0407 00000KT 1SM -RA FG..
METAR/TAF
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
Remember Time Frames? There are two Within This Example.

51. FM2300 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO 0407 00000KT 1SM -RA FG..
METAR/TAF
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
Explanation: From 2300Z Until 1000Z the Winds are Expected to be From 270 Degrees at 8 Knots, Visibility 5 Statue Miles in Light Rain Showers, With a Broken Ceiling at 2000 Feet and Overcast Ceiling at 4000 Feet.

52. FM2300 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO 0407 00000KT 1SM -RA FG..
METAR/TAF
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
Explanation: Between 04Z and 07Z the Forecast Calls for Calm Winds, Visibility Temporarily Decreasing to 1 Statue Mile in Light Rain and Fog.

53. METAR/TAF FM1000 22010KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
TAF KPIT Z KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
BECMG KT P6SM NSW SKC

54. METAR/TAF FM1000 22010KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
Explanation: From 1000Z (Until 1800Z) the Forecast Calls for Winds From 220 Degrees at 10 Knots, Visibility 5 Statute Miles in Light Rain Showers, With an Overcast Ceiling at 2000 Feet. (Notice - Not CB or TCU Type Cloud)

55. METAR/TAF BECMG 1315 20010KT P6SM NSW SKC
TAF KPIT Z KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020
FM G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 PROB /2SM TSRA OVC008CB..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 TEMPO KT 1SM -RA FG..
FM KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020..
BECMG KT P6SM NSW SKC

56. METAR/TAF BECMG 1315 20010KT P6SM NSW SKC
Explanation: The Weather Becoming Between 13Z and 15Z, Surface Winds From 200 Degrees at 10 Knots and Visibility of More Than 6 Statute Miles, with No Significant Weather and Clear Skies.

57. METAR/TAF
BECMG CLR ?

58. METAR/TAF
QUESTIONS ?

59. METAR/TAF
Thank You!