Air Force Pamphlet 11-238

1 November 2000
Flying Operations

Aircrew
Quick Reference
to the
METAR/TAF Codes

Department of the Air Force

Introduction
The Aircrew Quick Reference Guide to the METAR/TAF code is a
color-coded pamphlet, designed specifically for aircrews, to assist with
the quick reference and interpretation of the METAR/TAF codes into
plain language. Key groups and solutions are highlighted to ease data
identification.
Differences between military and civilian renderings of the code will be
discussed when and where appropriate. Further, many groups within
the code are intended for use within the weather-community and not
relevant for flight planning. These groups have been omitted.
In addition, we recommend that if the user has any additional weatherrelated questions, contact a certified US military forecaster or
MAJCOM-approved weather source for clarification. Always be sure
to completely check the METAR/TAF codes for all hazards to flying
safety, to include thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, wind shear and any
elements that may specifically affect your aircraft type.
Weather briefing requirements for USAF Aircrews are listed below as
stated in AFI 11-202, Vol 3:
PICs will obtain sufficient weather information to safely conduct their
flight and comply with this instruction. When necessary, record the
appropriate weather information on a DD Form 175-1, Flight Weather
Briefing. The following weather sources are authorized:
US Military Weather Services.
MAJCOM-approved weather sources listed in the MAJCOM/
MAJCOM MDS specific supplement to this instruction.
Alternate Method. If there are no possible means of obtaining
weather from the above sources, pilots may fly in Visual
Meteorological Conditions (VMC) to a point where contact can be
established with an authorized weather source.

Table of Contents
Section I
Page

Attachment 3

METAR decoding:
Report Type
Location
Date/Time
Auto/Cor
Wind
Wind Variability
Visibility
Runway Visual Range
Type of Weather
Clouds
Temperature/Dew point
Altimeter Setting
Remarks Section

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
14
15
16

Section II
TAF decoding:
Report Type
Location
Date/Time
Time and Type of change expected
Wind
Visibility
Precipitation
Clouds
Icing
Turbulence
Minimum Altimeter Setting
Wind Shear
Temperatures

18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Figures
Weather/Obscuration Table
Remarks Table
Icing Table
Turbulence Table

12
17
26
27

Attachments
Fahrenheit to Celsius
Status Miles to Meters
Millibars to Inches

31
32
33

AFPAM 11-238, 1 Nov 2000

Certified by:HQ/XOO (Maj Gen Michael S. Kudlacz)

OPR: HQ AFFSA/XOFD (Maj Elizabeth A. Coates)

Pages: 33/Distribution F

33
2

Report Type

Attachment 2

What kind of report is this?

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290
3/8 SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034
SPECI KBLV 011715Z 25015G30KT 210V290 3 SM BKN 015
01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034
METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report) refers to a scheduled
observation taken between 55-59 minutes past the hour (also referred
to a routine hourly observation).
SPECI (Special Report) refers to an unscheduled observation that
met a predefined criteria (such as a change from VFR to IFR) and
may be taken at any time within the hour.

32

Attachment 1

METAR

Location

How do I determine the location?

F

Fahrenheit to Celsius
F

From
128.3
126.5
124.7
122.9
121.1

To
130.0
128.2
126.4
124.6
122.8

119.3
117.5
115.7
113.9
112.1

54
53
52
51
50

From
83.3
81.5
79.7
77.9
76.1

to
85.0
83.2
81.4
79.6
77.8

121.0
119.2
117.4
115.6
113.8

49
48
47
46
45

74.3
72.5
70.7
68.9
67.1

110.3
108.5
106.7
104.9
103.1

112.0
110.2
108.4
106.6
104.8

44
43
42
41
40

101.3
99.5
97.7
95.9
94.1

103.0
101.2
99.4
97.6
95.8

92.3
90.5
88.7
86.9
85.1

94.0
92.2
90.4
88.6
86.8

29
28
27
26
25

From
38.3
36.3
34.7
32.9
32.0

To
40.0
38.2
36.2
34.6
32.8

76.0
74.2
72.4
70.6
68.8

24
23
22
21
20

31.2
29.4
27.6
25.8
24.0

65.3
63.5
61.7
59.9
58.1

67.0
65.2
63.4
61.6
59.8

19
18
17
16
15

39
38
37
36
35

56.3
54.5
52.7
50.9
49.1

58.0
56.2
54.4
52.6
50.8

34
33
32
31
30

47.3
45.5
43.7
41.9
40.1

49.0
47.2
45.4
43.6
41.8

04
03
02
01
00

From
-4.8
-6.6
-8.4
-10.2
-12.0

To
-3.1
-4.9
-6.7
-8.5
-10.3

M20
M21
M22
M23
M24

31.9
31.1
29.3
27.5
25.7

M00
M01
M02
M03
M04

-13.8
-15.6
-17.4
-19.2
-21.0

-12.1
-13.9
-15.7
-17.5
-19.3

M25
M26
M27
M28
M29

22.2
20.4
18.6
16.8
15.0

23.9
22.1
20.3
18.5
16.7

M05
M06
M07
M08
M09

-22.8
-24.6
-26.4
-28.2
-30.0

-21.1
-22.9
-24.7
-26.5
-28.3

M30
M31
M32
M33
M34

14
13
12
11
10

13.2
11.4
9.6
7.8
6.0

14.9
13.1
11.3
9.5
7.7

M10
M11
M12
M13
M14

-31.8
-33.6
-35.4
-37.2
-39.0

-30.1
-31.9
-33.7
-35.5
-37.3

M35
M36
M37
M38
M39

09
08
07
06
05

4.2
2.4
0.6
-1.2
-3.0

5.9
4.1
2.3
+0.5
-1.3

M15
M16
M17
M18
M19

-40.8
-42.6
-44.4
-46.2
-48.0

-39.1
-40.9
-42.7
-44.5
-46.5

M40
M41
M42
M43
M44

31

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290

3/8 SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034
The 4-character ICAO identifier that follows the report type is the
location identifier; KBLV (Scott AFB) is the location/station.

METAR

Date/Time

TAF

Temperatures

How do I determine the date and time of issuance?

How do I determine the forecast temperatures?

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8 SM

R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z

The 7-character group following the identifier is the date and time of
issuance.
The first two digits are the date; the last four digits are the time (UTC).
In this example, 01 is the date of the month, 1657 is the time of
issuance, Z is the UTC designator.

Forecast temperatures for the forecast period are routinely found only
in military TAFs. They are found on the last line, following the
minimum altimeter and begin with the designator T.
In this example, the minimum temperature is minus 1 or -1 C and
will occur at 11Z. The maximum temperature is 8C and will occur
at 18Z.

MARVIN R. ESMOND, Lt General, USAF

DCS/Air and Space Operations

30

TAF

Wind Shear

METAR

AUTO/COR

How do I determine if wind shear is in the forecast?

What does Auto and/or Cor mean, if included?

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8

SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034

A wind shear group is included if non-convective low level winds (up

to 2,000 feet) will change in speed and/or direction and result in a
tearing or shearing action. Wind shear is encoded with the contraction,
WS, followed by a 3-digit height, slant character /, and winds at
the height indicated.
In this example, 010 (1,000 feet) is the height above the ground, 180
degrees is the direction (true) and 040KT is the wind speed.
The remark WSCONDS is used to indicate the potential for wind shear
when there is not enough information available to reliably predict the
exact height, direction and speed of the wind shear. WSCONDS is
normally used beyond the first 6 hours of the TAF.

29

Lets look at the meanings of AUTO and COR separately.

METAR KSTL 011657Z AUTO 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8 SM
R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK AO2 SLP034
AUTO refers to an observation taken by a machine called an
Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS). Only
observations transmitted from an unattended ASOS site will contain
this designation. AO2 denotes an ASOS with a precipitation (rain vs.
snow) discriminator. AO1 denotes an ASOS without the precipitation
discriminator.
METAR KBLV 011657Z COR 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8 SM
R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034
COR refers to a corrected observation. Disregard the previous
transmission. Not every observation will have this designation.

METAR

Wind

How do I determine the wind speed and direction?

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8 SM
R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034
The data group followed by KT (knots) is the wind.
The first three digits will be the true direction to the nearest 10 degrees.
The next two digits will be the speed. If gusts are present, the next two
or three digits following the G will be the gust or peak wind speed.
In this example, the 25015G30KT group is the wind direction and speed.
Therefore, 250 degrees is the direction (true), 15 kts is the sustained
wind speed and 30 kts is the gust.

TAF

Minimum Altimeter Setting

How do I determine the forecast lowest altimeter setting?

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z
Forecast minimum altimeter settings are only found in military
forecasts. These are near the end of the line beginning with QNH
(minimum) and ending with INS (inches).
In this example, QNH2960INS, QNH2959INS, QNH2958INS,
QNH2952INS and QNH2950INS are read as minimum altimeter
setting of 29.60, 29.59, 29.58, 29.52 and 29.50 inches of mercury,
respectively.

28

TAF

Turbulence

METAR

Wind Variability

How do I determine forecast turbulence conditions?

How do I determine if the wind is varying between directions?

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004 QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8

SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034

If forecast, the turbulence forecast will be prefixed by the number 5, and will follow the
cloud or icing group. To decode, follow the instructions below:
1. Look for the turbulence designator 5 that follows the cloud or icing group (5 2 0 0 0 4).
2. The next digit will determine the intensity (5 2 0 0 0 4). See figure 4.
3. The next three digits will determine the base limit of the turbulence layer in hundreds of
feet (5 2 0 0 0 4).
4. The last digit will determine the thickness in thousands of feet (5 2 0 0 0 4), so add this
value to the base height to determine the top limit of the turbulence conditions.
In the above example, the turbulence forecast will read light occasional moderate turbulence
in clear air from surface to 4,000 feet.

A wind variability group will be reported, if the wind is variable by 60

degrees and the speed is greater than 6 knots. This remark will contain
the extremes of the wind directions, separated by V.
In this example, 210 and 290 are the two directional limits.
Not every observation will contain this group. If there is no wind
variation remark, move on to the next group.

TURBULENCE INTENSITY
CODE
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

DECODE
Trace
Light turbulence
Light occasional moderate turbulence in clear air
Moderate turbulence in clear air
Light occasional moderate in cloud
Moderate turbulence in cloud
Light occasional severe turbulence in clear air
Severe turbulence in clear air
Light occasional severe turbulence in cloud
Severe turbulence in cloud

Notes: 1. Air Force weather units will encode extreme turbulence by

use of Code 6,7,8,9, and adding "EXTRM TURB in REMARKS

2. Occasional is defined as occurring less than 1/3 of the time

Figure 4.

27

METAR

Visibility

TAF

Icing

How do I determine the prevailing visibility?

How do I determine forecast icing conditions?

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8 SM

R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z

In this example, 3/8 SM (statute miles) is the prevailing visibility.

Prevailing visibility is the greatest horizontal visibility observed
throughout at least half the horizon circle, and is not necessarily
continuous. Sector visibility will be reported in the remarks section, if
it differs from the prevailing and is less than 3 miles (see Remarks
Tablet for sector visibility format).
At overseas locations, visibility is reported in meters vs. statute miles.
The largest reportable metric value is 9999. This value represents a
visibility greater than 9000 meters (7 statute miles or greater).

If forecast, the icing forecast will be prefixed by the number 6, and follows the cloud
group. To decode, follow the instructions below:
1. Look for the icing designator 6 that follows the cloud group (6 2 0 3 0 4).
2. The next digit will determine the icing type and intensity (6 2 0 3 0 4).
3. The next three digits will determine the base of the icing layer in hundreds of
feet (6 2 0 3 0 4).
4. The next digit will determine the thickness in thousands of feet (6 2 0 3 0 4), so add
this value to the base height to determine the top limit of the icing conditions.
Therefore, in the above example, the icing forecast will read light rime icing (in cloud)
from 3,000 to 7,000 feet.

ICING INTENSITY
CODE
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

DECODE
Trace or none (see note)
Light icing (light mixed)
Light icing in cloud (light rime)
Light icing in precipitation (light clear)
Moderate icing in cloud (moderate rime)
Moderate icing in precipitation (moderate clear)
Severe icing (severe mixed)
Severe icing in cloud (severe rime)
Severe icing in precipitation (severe clear)
Figure 3.

Note: WMO code figure "0" is no icing

Air Force Weather units will use "0" to indicate a trace of icing

26

Clouds

TAF

METAR

Runway Visual Range R

How do I determine the layers of forecast clouds?

What if there is a group that begins with the letter R?

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8

SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034

Cloud height is always forecast in hundreds of feet. Add two zeros to

the value given. In this example, FEW030, OVC020, BKN008CB,
OVC020, OVC030, SCT040 and SKC represent the values 3,000 few,
2,000 overcast and 800broken, cumulus nimbus clouds, 2,000 overcast,
3,000 overcast, 4,000 scattered and sky clear, respectively.

Runway Visual Range follows the visibility and begins with the letter
R. The runway heading will follow the R, and in this example,
32L represents runway 32-Left (C-Center, R-Right). The last four
digits report the visibility in feet.
In this example, the RVR reads runway visual range for 32 Left is
1,000 ft.
At overseas locations, visibility is reported in meters. The same RVR
at an overseas location would read R32L/0300 or runway visual range
for 32 Left is 300 meters.
How would I decode the formats M0600FT or P6000FT or
R06L2000V4000FT (not in example)?

Sky coverage (eighths):

M0600FT
i SKC
i FEW
i SCT
i * BKN
i * OVC
i TCU
i CB
i

VV

Sky clear
< 0-2
3-4
5-7
8
Towering Cumulus present
Cumulonimbus/thunderstorm
present
Vertical Visibility
(indefinite ceiling)

P6000FT
R06L2000V4000FT

Reads RVR is less than 600 feet.

(M=less than)
Reads RVR is greater than 6,000
feet. (P = greater than)
Indicates variable, if the RVR is
variable between two thresholds.
R06L/2000V4000FT is read as
RVR for 6 Left is variable
between 2,000 and 4,000 feet.

* Constitutes a ceiling
25

10

Type of Weather

METAR

Precipitation

TAF

How do I determine if there is any weather?

How do I determine if there is any forecast weather?

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8

SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z

If there is any precipitation or obstruction to visibility, it will be

found in the group of data following the visibility. The absence of
weather or an obscuration group indicates that neither phenomenon is
occurring at the time of the observation. In this example, FG
represents Fog.
To methodically define a weather group, look for six key elements
(depending on the phenomena, one or more may be omitted.)
In order, these are intensity (symbol preceding the code), proximity,
descriptor, precipitation description, obscuration (other than
precipitation), and other.
Refer to figure 1 for the Weather/Obscuration Conversion Table.

Forecast precipitation or obstruction to visibility is found in the group

of data following the visibility.
NSW (no significant weather) is used to indicate that the weather or
obscuration listed in the previous group is no longer expected to occur.
Absence of a weather or obscuration group indicates that no weather or
obscuration is expected during the forecast period.
In the first group of this example, BR, represents Mist.
To methodically define a weather group, look for six key elements
(depending on the phenomena, one or more may be omitted.)
In order, these are intensity (symbol preceding the code), proximity,
descriptor, precipitation description, obscuration (other than
precipitation) and other.
Refer to page 12 for the Weather/Obscuration Conversion Table.

11

24

Step 4: Precipitation

FG Fog (vsby<5/8 mile)

BR Mist (vsby>=5/8 mile)

Step 5: Obscuration to Visibility

PO Well-developed -

Step 6: Other

Weather/Obscuration Conversion Table

DZ Drizzle

FU Smoke

Description of Phenomenon

MI Shallow

Step 3: Description

SN Snow

RA Rain

Types of Weather Phenomenon

PR Partial (covering only

part of the sky)

Step 1: Intensity (preceding group)

BC Patches

12

dust/sand whirls

Light

(+)

( ) or No sign

SQ Squalls

Heavy

Moderate

SS Sandstorm

ex. Tornado or Waterspout

DU Dust

DS Dust storm

FC Funnel cloud (s)

IC Ice Crystals

SA Sand

VA Volcanic Ash

BL Blowing

PL Ice Pellets

SG Snow Grains

SH Showers

BLPY -blowing spray

PY Spray

BCFG -patchy fog

HZ Haze

VCSH

GR Hail (>=5 mm or .25)

+DRSN -heavy snow, drifting

GS Small Hail (<5 mm or .25)

-blowing spray

UP Unknown Precipitation (ASOS only)

-patchy fog

TS Thunderstorm

FZ Freezing

Note: + can also mean a well-developed DR Low Drifting

VC

dust/sand storm, whirl, dust devil

tornado waterspout

( ) OR No designation

Step 2: Proximity

In the Vicinity

BLPY
-showers in the vicinity

BCFG

DY Dust Storm

SS Sandstorm

23

-light rain, fog

-freezing drizzle

Overseas locations may use the contraction CAVOK (ceiling and

visibility OK). This will be used if there is no significant weather, the
visibility is 10 km or greater and the ceilings are greater than 5,000 ft.

Figure 1.

In the military and overseas locations, visibilities are forecast in meters.

The 4-character group following the winds will be the forecast
visibility.
In the KBLV example, 8000, 3200, 1600, 3200 and 9999 are the
forecast visibilities in meters. 9999 is the greatest value forecasted. A
value of 9999 indicates a forecast visibility of greater than 9000 meters
(7 statute miles or greater).

-RAFG

BR HZ -mist, fraze
(vis>=5/8 mi.)
FZDZ

CONUS civilian forecasters encode visibilities in statute miles. In

CONUS, civilian TAFS forecast visibility in statute miles. The group
following the winds and ending with SM (statute miles) will be the
visibility. In the KSTL example, 5SM, 1-1/2SM, P6SM, 4SM, 2SM
and P6SM are the forecast visibilities in statute miles.

On station

-thunderstorm, moderate rain

-freezing drizzle

TAF
KSTL 051130Z 051212 14008KT 5SM BR BKN030 WS010/18025KT
TEMPO 1316 1 1/2 SM BR FM 1600 16010KT P6SM NSW SKC
BECMG 2224 20013G20 KT 4SM SHRA OVC020 PROB40 0006
2SM TSRA OVC008CB BECOMG 0608 21015KT P6SM NSW
SCT040

Examples:

TSRA

FZDZ

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z

-heavy snow

How do I determine the forecast visibility?

+SN

Visibility

+SHRASNPL -heavy rain showers, snow,

ice pellets

TAF

METAR

Clouds

How do I determine the layers of clouds?

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290
3/8 SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034
Cloud height is always reported in hundreds of feet AGL. Add two
zeros to the value given.
In this example, 005 represents the value 500 feet AGL.
Sky coverage (eighths):
i SKC
i FEW
i SCT
i * BKN
i * OVC
i TCU
i CB
i

VV

Sky clear
< 0-2
3-4
5-7
8
Towering Cumulus present
Cumulonimbus/thunderstorm
present
Vertical Visibility
(indefinite ceiling)

* Constitutes a ceiling

13

TAF

Winds

How do I determine the wind speed and direction?

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z
The group after the valid time and followed by KT (knots) is the
forecast wind speeds.
The first three digits within the groups will be the true direction to the
nearest 10 degrees. The last two digits will be the sustained speed. If
gusts are present, the next two or three digits following the G will be
the peak wind speed.
In this example, 14005KT, 16010KT, VRB15G30KT, 29008KT,
31012G22KT and 30008KT are the wind direction and speed groups.
Therefore, in the first group, 140 degrees (true) is the direction,
05 knots is the sustained wind speed.

22

TAF

Time and Type of Change Expected

METAR

Temperature/Dew Point

How do I determine the time and type of changes that will occur?

How do I determine the current temperature and dew point?

TAF
KSTL 051130Z 051212 14008KT 5SM BR BKN030 WS010/18025KT
TEMPO 1316 1 1/2 SM BR FM 1600 16010KT P6SM NSW SKC
BECMG 2224 20013G20 KT 4SM SHRA OVC020 PROB40 0006
2SM TSRA OVC008CB BECMG 0608 21015KT P6SM NSW
SCT040

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290 3/8

SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034

The time and type of change expected is encoded by civilian and

military forecasters alike with TEMPO, FM and BECMG groups.

The group following the sky condition will be the temperature and
dew point information in degrees Celsius.
In this example, the first two digits 01 are the temperature in degrees
Celsius. The second two digits or M01 or -1C is the dew point in
degrees Celsius. An M in the temperature field means minus or
below zero.

TEMPO represents a temporary condition. In this example,

TEMPO 1316 1 1/2 SM BR is read Temporary condition between
13Z and 16Z of 1 1/2 statute mile visibility in mist. Only the
temporary changing conditions are included in TEMPO groups.
FM represents from and will indicate the beginning of a new line in
a TAF report and a rapid change, and all conditions in the previous line
are superseded. In this example, FM 1600 is read From 16Z
BECMG represents becoming or a gradual change in
meteorological conditions and becomes the predominant group by the
end time listed. In this example, BECMG 2224 is read as Becoming
from 22Z to 24Z.
PROB40 (civilian use only) represents a 40% probability or chance of
conditions occurring along with associated weather conditions (wind,
visibility, sky conditions).
In this example, PROB40 0006 2SM TSRA 0VCOO8CB is read 40%
chance between 00Z and 06Z of 800 overcast cumulus nimbus clouds,
visibility 2 statute miles in moderate thunderstorms.

21

14

METAR

Altimeter Setting

Date/Time

TAF

How do I determine the current altimeter setting?

How do I determine the date and valid times of the forecast?

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290

3/8 SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034

TAF
KBLV 050606 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z

The 5-character group beginning with the A, following the

temperature/dew point group, is the altimeter setting in inches and
hundredths of an inch of mercury in the United States.
In this example, A2984 represents 29.84 inches of mercury.

In a military TAF, the group following the ICAO identifier will be the
valid times of the forecast. Preparation date and time is omitted. In
this KBLV example, the forecast valid times are from 5/06Z to
6/06Z.
TAF
KSTL 051130Z 051212 14008KT 5SM BR BKN030 WS010/18025KT
TEMPO 1316 1 1/2 SM BR FM 1600 16010KT P6SM NSW SKC
BECMG 2224 20013G20KT 4SM SHRA OVC020 PROB40 0006 2SM
TSRA OVC008CB BECMG 0608 21015KT P6SM NSW SCT040
Civilian forecasters encode the date/time group differently from
military forecasters. In a civilian TAF, the next two groupings
following the ICAO identifier are the date and time the forecast was
prepared and the valid times of the forecast. The first group will be
the date and time that the forecast was prepared. The second group will
be the date and the beginning/ending hours that the forecast is valid. In
the KSTL example, 05 is the date of the month and 1130Z is the time of
issuance. The forecast valid times are from 5/12Z to 6/12Z.

15

20

TAF

Location

METAR

Remarks

How do I determine the location?

What is RMK?

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004
QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z

METAR KBLV 011657Z AUTO/COR 25015G30KT 210V290

3/8 SM R32L/1000FT FG BKN 005 01/M01 A2984 RMK SLP034

The 4-character ICAO identifier that follows the report type is the
location identifier. KBLV (Scott AFB, IL) is the location/station.

RMK refers to the Remarks section.

Remarks may be encoded or in plain language and will contain any
supplementary data.
In this example, the remark SLP is the sea level pressure in milibars
(hectopascals) to the nearest tenth. To decode, place a 10 or 9
before the group and a decimal before the last digit (use a 9 if the 3
digit value is 999 or less). The group in the above example would
read 1003.4 millibars.
Caution: Do not confuse the METAR 5- and 6-groups with the
TAF 5 group (turbulence) and the TAF 6-group! (icing). In
contrast to TAF code usage, METAR utilizes the 5- group to report
the 3 hourly pressure tendency. The METAR 6- group is used to
report the 3 and 6 hourly precipitation amounts, respectively.
Decoding pressure tendency and precipitation amounts is beyond the
scope of this pamphlet and will not be covered here. See pages 26 and
27 for more info on decoding icing and turbulence forecasts.

For a detailed listing of possible METAR Remarks, refer to page 17.

19

16

Remarks Table

Figure 2

TAF

Report Type

What type of report is this?

TAF
KBLV 051212 14005KT 8000 BR FEW030 QNH2960INS
WS010/18040KT
BECMG 1314 16010KT 3200 -RASH OVC020 QNH2959INS
TEMPO 1416 VRB15G30KT 1600 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1617 29008KT 3200 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS
BECMG 1819 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004 QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z
TAF
KBLV AMD 051812 VRB15G30KT 0800 TSRA BKN008CB OVC020
BECMG 1819 29008KT 1600 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS VCTS
BECMG 1920 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004 QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z
AMD 051820.
TAF
KBLV AMD COR 051912 VRB15G30KT 0800 TSRA BKN005CB
OVC020
BECMG 1819 29008KT 1600 -RA OVC030 620304 QNH2958INS VCTS
BECMG 1920 31012G22KT 9999 NSW SCT040 520004 QNH2952INS
BECMG 2021 30008KT 9999 SKC QNH2950INS TM01/11Z 08/18Z
COR 051925.
TAF (Terminal Area Forecast) is a definitive forecast at an airport for a
specific period (usually 24 hours).

METAR

TAF AMD (Amended Terminal Forecast) is issued because the previous

version is no longer representative of the current or expected weather specific
period (usually 24 hours). The amended TAF supersedes the previous TAF.
In the above example, the forecast was amended on the 5th of the month at
1820Z. Always refer to the amendment date/time group at the end of the
TAF to distinguish the most current forecast.

17

TAF COR (Corrected Terminal Forecast) is a TAF that has been corrected.
When a corrected TAF is issued, disregard previous TAFs. In the above
example, the amended forecast was corrected on the 5th of the month at
1925Z. Always refer to the correction date/time group at the end of the TAF
for the most current forecast.
18