Mini Lesson: Breaking down METARs

A METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is an aviation weather report issued at least once an hour that provides current weather conditions at an airport: wind, visibility, weather, cloud coverage, temperature, and pressure. Pilots rely on METARs to assess whether conditions are safe for flight and to make informed decisions during planning.

Example METAR:

KSDF 261853Z 22012G22KT 1 1/2SM BR +RA BKN020 OVC045 18/16 A2992 RMK AO2 RAB15

Let's break it down into sections!

1: Station + Time

▪KSDF 261853Z - Louisville, reported on the 26th at 1853 Zulu time

2: Wind

▪22012G22KT - from 220° at 12 knots, gusts to 22kts

▪Reported in magnetic direction

3: Visibility

▪1-1/2SM - 1 ½ statute miles

4: Weather

▪ BR - Mist (baby rain)

▪ +RA - Heavy rain

▪Other weather abbreviations

▪SN - Snow

▪TS - Thunderstorm

5: Sky Condition

▪BKN020 OVC045 - Broken at 2,000 ft, overcast at 4,500 ft

▪Clouds reported in AGL

▪FEW < SCT < BKN < OVC.

6: Temp/Dewpoint

▪18/16 - Temp 18°C, dewpoint 16°C

▪The closer numbers the greater the fog risk

7: Altimeter

▪ A2992 - 29.92 inHg

▪Standard pressure - 29.92inHg

8: Remarks

▪RMK AO2 RAB15 - Automated station with rain sensor, rain began at 15 minutes past the hour

How would I say this?

“Louisville at 1853 Zulu, winds 220 at 12 gusting 22. Visibility 1 ½ miles, mist with heavy rain. Broken at 2,000, overcast 4,500. Temp 18, dewpoint 16. Altimeter 29.92. Remarks, rain started 15 minutes past.”