METAR Weather Reports Explained

METAR reports are standardized aviation weather observations. These reports come in two forms: routine (METAR) and special (SPECI), issued hourly or when significant changes occur, respectively. A METAR contains specific elements presented in a defined order, including report type, station identifier, date/time, wind, visibility, weather phenomena, sky conditions, temperature/dew point, altimeter setting, and remarks. This information informs pilots about current conditions. It includes specifics like wind direction/speed, visibility in statute miles, cloud cover, temperature in Celsius, and altimeter settings. Remarks provide additional details, such as pressure changes or specific weather events not covered in other sections.