Which of the following correctly defines the aeronautical meteorological product known as a METAR?
The METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is the internationally standardised format for reporting observed weather conditions at an aerodrome at a specific time.
It is issued at regular intervals by trained meteorological observers or automated weather observation systems (AWOS/ASOS). A METAR contains information on wind direction and speed, visibility, present weather phenomena, cloud amount and base height, temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting (QNH). It may also include remarks and trend forecasts (TREND group) appended at the end.
The METAR represents a snapshot of actual conditions at the time of observation and is used by pilots for pre-flight weather assessment and by approach controllers to provide current aerodrome conditions to arriving aircraft. The SPECI is an unscheduled special METAR issued when conditions change significantly between routine METAR times.
A report of actual weather at an aerodrome → CORRECT. METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report. It is a standardised report of observed (actual) weather conditions at a specific aerodrome at a specific time. It is the primary source of current aerodrome weather information for pilots and controllers.
A forecast of weather for an aerodrome → INCORRECT. A forecast of weather at an aerodrome is a TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast). The METAR describes what is currently happening, not what is predicted to happen.
A warning of hazardous weather at an aerodrome → INCORRECT. Warnings of hazardous weather are issued as SIGMETs or as specific aerodrome warnings (for wind shear, thunderstorms, etc.).
A plan for weather monitoring at an aerodrome → INCORRECT. Weather monitoring plans and procedures are administrative documents issued by meteorological authorities. A METAR is an operational product reporting actual observed conditions, not a planning or procedural document.
Example of a METAR at LFMN airport: METAR LFMN 011200Z 21010KT CAVOK 15/M04 Q1010 NOSIG
Example of a TAF at LFMN airport: TAF LFMN 010800Z 0109/0215 VRB05KT CAVOK BECMG 0109/0111 22007KT BECMG 0118/0120 33010KT BECMG 0209/0211 18005KT
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