Example METAR Report

Consider this example: "METAR KJFK 121753Z 18015KT 10SM FEW060 SCT250 30/22 A2994 RMK AO2 SLP134"

• Report Type: METAR
• Airport Identifier: KJFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York)
• Date and Time: 121753Z = 12th of the month at 1753 Zulu
• Wind: 18015KT = Winds from 180 degrees at 15 knots
• Visibility: 10SM = 10 statute miles
• Sky Condition: FEW060 = Few clouds at 6,000 feet (add two zeros to 060), scattered clouds at 25,000 feet (SCT250)
• Temperature/Dew Point: 30/22 = Temperature = 30°C/ Dewpoint = 22°C
• Pressure: A2994 = Altimeter 29.94
• Remarks: AO2 (Automated station with precipitation sensor), Sea-Level Pressure (SLP) is 1013.4 hPa

Overview of how to read TAF and METAR reports as described in the Aeronautical Information Manual (7-1-28). Student pilots in flight school will need to know how to read and interpret TAF and METAR reports when preparing for the private pilot written exam and private pilot check ride. TAF and METAR reports can be confusing to read at first but are not hard to understand once a pilot knows the abbreviations found in METAR and TAF reports. Weather forecasting is an important skill for any aviator when conducting pre-flight planning to ensure a safe flight and to mitigate risks.

0:40 How to Read a Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)

1:10 How to Tell What Time a TAF was Issued

2:11 How to Determine Wind Forecast on a TAF

3:04 Weather Abbreviation Key for TAF Reports

3:39 How to Determine Cloud Coverage Forecast on a TAF

3:51 Cloud Coverage and Forecasts on a TAF

7:22 How to Read a METAR