What is METAR and what typical weather information does it contain?

• A. Forecasts for 24 hours ahead.
• B. Routine weather observation for aviation; includes wind, visibility, weather phenomena, sky condition, temperature/dew point, altimeter.
• C. Navigation data only.
• D. Air traffic control reports.

Answer: (B)

METAR is a routine aviation weather observation for an airport. It reports the conditions as observed at the time, and pilots rely on it for safe operations. The information typically included covers wind direction and speed, visibility, present weather phenomena (such as rain, snow, fog), sky condition with cloud amount and base height, temperature and dew point, and the altimeter setting. This combination gives a quick snapshot of current flying conditions—the strength and direction of the wind, how far you can see, what weather is present, how high the clouds are, and the pressure setting used to calibrate the altimeter. It is not a forecast for the next 24 hours (that would be a forecast product), nor is it navigation data alone or an ATC report.