Aviation Weather 101: Understanding METAR and SPECI

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UNDERSTANDING ABOUT METAR
Everything about metar. LET'S BEGIN

Cracking the Code: A Pilot's Guide to METAR and SPECI

 Ever wondered how pilots get their weather updates before a flight? They use a special coded language called METAR and SPECI. These are standardized reports used worldwide to give pilots and flight dispatchers critical information about current weather conditions at an airport. While many modern apps now translate these codes into plain language, it's still crucial for pilots to know how to read the original report, just in case.

What is a METAR?

 METAR, which stands for "Aviation Routine Weather Report," is a snapshot of the weather conditions at an airport, typically issued every hour. Think of it as the routine check-up of the skies.

An example of a full, un-decoded METAR report.
A typical METAR report. Can you spot the different weather elements?

The report is made up of several key components, including:

  • Airport Identifier and the Time of Observation

  • Wind speed and direction

  • Visibility

  • Runway Visual Range (RVR)

  • Present Weather (like rain, snow, or fog)

  • Sky Conditions (cloud cover and height)

  • Temperature and Dewpoint

  • Altimeter Setting

 All of this information, excluding the airport ID and time, is known as the “body” of the report. Sometimes, there are extra details added at the end called “remarks” that provide more information.


What is a SPECI?

 While a METAR is a routine, hourly report, a SPECI (Aviation Selected Special Weather Report) is anything but. A SPECI is an unscheduled report issued whenever there is a significant change in the weather between the regular hourly reports. For example, if visibility suddenly drops or a thunderstorm rolls in, a SPECI will be released to alert everyone immediately.

An example of a SPECI report, highlighting a specific weather change.
A SPECI report is issued when a significant weather change occurs, like a sudden thunderstorm.

 Every SPECI contains all the same information you would find in a METAR. It's essentially an urgent, on-demand update to ensure everyone has the most current weather information for a safe flight.

 This is just the start of our journey. Be sure to check back soon for our deep dive into the METAR's most crucial elements.

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