Pilots rely on two coded weather products more than any others: the METAR, a current observation, and the TAF, a forecast. They look cryptic at first, but the format is logical and quick to learn. Here is how to read both.
Part of our Airspace and Weather guide. Always base real go/no-go decisions on a current official briefing.
METAR: the current observation
A METAR reports actual conditions at an airport, usually updated hourly. The fields appear in a set order:
- Station and time: the airport identifier and the observation time in Zulu (UTC)
- Wind: direction (true) and speed, with gusts, for example 24015G25KT
- Visibility: in statute miles
- Weather: codes such as RA (rain), BR (mist), or TS (thunderstorm)
- Sky condition: cloud coverage and height, such as BKN025 (broken at 2,500 feet). Coverage codes describe how much of the sky is covered in eighths (oktas): FEW (1 to 2), SCT scattered (3 to 4), BKN broken (5 to 7), and OVC overcast (8). A ceiling is the lowest broken or overcast layer.
- Temperature and dew point: in Celsius
- Altimeter: the setting, for example A2992
Example, decoded
KXYZ 121753Z 24015G25KT 10SM BKN025 18/12 A2992 means: at airport KXYZ, on the 12th at 1753 Zulu, wind from 240 true at 15 knots gusting 25, 10 statute miles visibility, broken clouds at 2,500 feet, temperature 18 C and dew point 12 C, altimeter 29.92.
TAF: the forecast
A TAF forecasts conditions in the vicinity of an airport over a set period (commonly 24 to 30 hours). It uses the same weather codes as a METAR, plus change indicators:
- FM (from): a rapid, lasting change starting at a stated time
- BECMG (becoming): a gradual change over a window
- TEMPO (temporary): brief fluctuations expected to come and go
Read a TAF to anticipate how conditions will evolve across your flight, then confirm with the latest METARs as you go.
A note on wind direction
METAR and TAF winds are referenced to true north. The winds you hear from ATC or an automated airport broadcast are referenced to magnetic north. Keep that difference in mind when planning versus flying.
What you'll need
Weather references from PilotMall.com.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a METAR and a TAF?
A METAR is a current observation of actual conditions; a TAF is a forecast for an airport’s vicinity over a set period.
Are METAR winds true or magnetic?
True north. ATC and automated airport broadcasts use magnetic north.
What does BKN025 mean?
Broken clouds at 2,500 feet above the airport (heights are in hundreds of feet).