METARs & Surface Observations
In a METAR, wind direction is referenced to this direction, not magnetic.
What is true north?
These clouds are most commonly associated with fair weather.
What are cumulus clouds?
This weather hazard is caused by rapid updrafts and downdrafts in thunderstorms.
What is wind shear?
TAFs generally provide a forecast covering this length of time.
What is 24 hours?
This FAA weather product depicts current conditions, fronts, and pressure systems.
What is a Surface Analysis Chart?
A METAR reporting “10SM” means visibility is this value or greater.
What is 10 statute miles or more?
This cloud type is most often associated with widespread precipitation and IFR conditions.
What is nimbostratus?
Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) is most commonly found near this atmospheric feature.
What is the jet stream?
In a TAF, “FM1200” means this type of forecast change.
What is a rapid change beginning at 1200Z?
This chart helps pilots anticipate future weather conditions by showing forecasted pressure systems and fronts.
What is a Prognostic Chart?
The METAR entry “BKN025” tells a pilot this information about the ceiling.
What is a broken ceiling at 2,500 feet AGL?
This cloud indicates unstable air and the potential for thunderstorms.
What is cumulonimbus?
This type of icing forms when large supercooled droplets freeze slowly on impact.
What is Freezing Rain?
The TAF term “TEMPO” describes weather conditions that are expected to last this long at a time.
What is less than one hour?
This weather advisory is issued for moderate icing, turbulence, sustained surface winds of 30 knots or greater, or IFR conditions.
What is an AIRMET?
In a METAR, “M05/M10” represents this weather information.
What are temperature minus 5°C and dew point minus 10°C?
Stable air typically produces this type of cloud formation.
What are stratiform clouds?
The most dangerous type of thunderstorm is this variety.
What is a supercell thunderstorm?
This TAF group indicates a temporary fluctuation in weather conditions expected to last less than one hour at a time and no more than half the forecast period.
What is TEMPO?
This advisory warns of severe or extreme turbulence, severe icing, or widespread dust storms and is hazardous to all aircraft.
What is a SIGMET?
This METAR remark indicates sea-level pressure in hectopascals.
What is SLP?
This condition occurs when temperature increases with altitude, contributing to stable air.
What is a temperature inversion?
This phenomenon occurs when rain evaporates before reaching the ground, creating strong downdrafts.
What is a microburst?
A TAF uses this time standard for all forecasts.
What is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC or Zulu)?
This real-time weather report is especially valuable because it reflects actual conditions experienced in flight.
What is a PIREP?