Chapter 7: Interpreting Weather Data

What type of report is this: KOKC RTD 181545Z 181612 33010KT P6SM BKN035 TEMPO 1619 5 SM -SHRA BKN025 FM1900 29014G23KT P6SM SCT050 SCT150 BECMG 0103 28009KT FM0900 25009KT P6SM SCT 060 BKN120

Delayed terminal area forecast

What are the major portions of a METAR in order?

1. Station Identifier 2. Date and Time of Report 3. Wind Direction and Speed 4. Visibility 5. Weather 6. Sky Condition 7. Temperature 8. Dew Point 9. Altimeter Setting 10. Remarks

As a VFR pilot, should you plan a flight in any area enclosed by a heavy solid line?

No. This indicates IFR conditions

What symbology is used for VFR conditions on a weather depiction chart?

Non-enclosed, non-hatched area

What type of report is this: SPECI KRDU 261734Z 17011G17KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN005 BKN014 OVC035 12/11 A2952 RMK AO2 SFC VIS 3 PRESFR P0004

Non-routine METAR

What are the steps in the forecasting process?

Observation, Processing, Dissemination

What are two types of satellite weather images?

Visible, Infrared

When might a CWA be initiated?

When the affected area is within 150 miles of the ARTCC airspace, When a SIGMET has not been issued, but conditions meet those criteria

What does the METAR code "0000KT" mean?

Wind calm

What does the METAR code "210V27015KT" mean?

Wind direction from 210 degrees varying to 270 degrees at 15 knots

What does the METAR code "VRB03KT" mean?

Wind direction variable at 3 knots

What does the METAR code "21018KT" mean?

Wind from 210 degrees at 18 knots

What does the METAR code "21025G35KT" mean?

Wind from 210 degrees at 25 knots with gusts to 35 knots

What gradual change is expected between 0100Z and 0300Z: KDLH 181545Z 181612 33010KT P6SM BKN035 TEMPO 1619 5 SM -SHRA BKN025 FM1900 29014G23KT P6SM SCT050 SCT150 BECMG 0103 28009KT FM0900 25009KT P6SM SCT060 BKN120

Wind from 280 degrees at 9 knots

What is the minimum information provided by any AWOS system?

Altimeter setting

How would March 3, 1916 Zulu be shown on a METAR?

031916Z

How would April 5, 1212 Zulu be shown on a METAR?

051212Z

What is the predicted wind shear starting at 1400Z in this report: KART 121738Z 121818 19008KT P6SM SKC FM0600 17006KT P6SM SCT250 WS015/23035KT FM1400 19012KT P6SM BKN250 WS015/23045KT

1,500 feet with winds from 230 degrees at 45 knots

What phone number do you call to obtain a preflight weather briefing from Flight Service?

1-800-WX-BRIEF

What are the types of forecasts from most to least accurate?

1. 12 hours or less 2. Up to 48 hours 3. Five-day forecast 4. 10-day forecast 5. Monthly and seasonal forecasts

What type of weather observation station generated this report: METAR KPIT 101455Z AUTO 21025G35KT 3/4SM R28L/2400FT TSRA OVC010CB 20/18 A2992 RMK SLP045 TO2020189

An automated station

What does the METAR code "FEW" mean?

1/8 to 2/8 of the sky

What is the sea level pressure in this report: METAR KPIT 101455Z AUTO 21025G35KT 3/4SM R28L/2400FT TSRA OVC010CB 20/18 A2992 RMK SLP045 TO2020189

1004.5 mb

What is the wind speed reported in this METAR: SPECI KRDU 261734Z 17011G17KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN005 BKN014 OVC035 12/11 A2952 RMK AO2 SFC VIS 3 PRESFR P0004

11 knots gusting to 17 knots

When was this TAF issued: KOKC 051130Z 051212 140008KT 5SM BR BKN030 TEMPO 1316 1 1/2SM BR FM1600 16010KT P6SM SKC BECMG 2224 20013G20KT 4SM SHRA OVC020 PROB40 0006 2SM TSRA OVC008CB BECMG 0608 21015KT P6SM NSW SCT040

1130Z on the 5th of the month

When is this TAF valid: KOKC 051130Z 051212 140008KT 5SM BR BKN030 TEMPO 1316 1 1/2SM BR FM1600 16010KT P6SM SKC BECMG 2224 20013G20KT 4SM SHRA OVC020 PROB40 0006 2SM TSRA OVC008CB BECMG 0608 21015KT P6SM NSW SCT040

1200Z on the 5th to 1200Z on the 6th

How would May 12, 2014 Zulu be shown on a METAR?

122014Z

Where is the maximum top of the precipitation occurring in this report: TLX 1935 LN 8TRW++ 86/40 199/115 20W C2425 MTS 570 AT 159/65 AUTO

159 degrees, 65n.m. from TLX

When is this TAF valid: KDLH 181545Z 181612 33010KT P6SM BKN035 TEMPO 1619 5 SM -SHRA BKN025 FM1900 29014G23KT P6SM SCT050 SCT150 BECMG 0103 28009KT FM0900 25009KT P6SM SCT060 BKN120

1600Z on the 18th to 1200Z on the 19th

When was this report issued: SPECI KRDU 261734Z 17011G17KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN005 BKN014 OVC035 12/11 A2952 RMK AO2 SFC VIS 3 PRESFR P0004

1734Z on the 26th of the month

What is the dew point in this report: METAR KPIT 101455Z AUTO 21025G35KT 3/4SM R28L/2400FT TSRA OVC010CB 20/18 A2992 RMK SLP045 TO2020189

18° Celcius

What is the visual range on Runway 28L according to this METAR: METAR KPIT 101455Z AUTO 21025G35KT 3/4SM R28L/2400FT TSRA OVC010CB 20/18 A2992 RMK SLP045 TO2020189

2,400 feet

What is the wind direction reported in this METAR: METAR KPIT 101455Z AUTO 21025G35KT 3/4SM R28L/2400FT TSRA OVC010CB 20/18 A2992 RMK SLP045 TO2020189

210 degrees

The Significant Weather Panels of the Low-Level Prog Chart forecast weather from the surface to what altitude?

24,000 feet

In what direction is the storm moving int his report: MKC AWW 041913 WW 689 SEVERE TSTM NY 042000Z - 050200Z AXIS. .90 STSTUE MILES EITHER SIDE OF LINE. .40ESE BGM/BINGHAMPTON NY/ - 15WNW MSS/MASSENA NY. .AVIATION COORDS. .80NM EITHER SIDE /38NE AVP - 55NW SLK/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT. .2 1/2 INCHES. WING=D GUSTS. .70 KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 450. MEAN STORM MOTION VETOR 270/30.

270 degrees

What altimeter setting is reported in this METAR: METAR KPIT 101455Z AUTO 21025G35KT 3/4SM R28L/2400FT TSRA OVC010CB 20/18 A2992 RMK SLP045 TO2020189

29.92 in. Hg

What is the surface visibility in this report: SPECI KRDU 261734Z 17011G17KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN005 BKN014 OVC035 12/11 A2952 RMK AO2 SFC VIS 3 PRESFR P0004

3 statute miles

What does the METAR code "SCT" mean?

3/8 to 4/8 of the sky

What is the probability of thunderstorms occurring between 0000Z and 0600Z in this report: KOKC 051130Z 051212 140008KT 5SM BR BKN030 TEMPO 1316 1 1/2SM BR FM1600 16010KT P6SM SKC BECMG 2224 20013G20KT 4SM SHRA OVC020 PROB40 0006 2SM TSRA OVC008CB BECMG 0608 21015KT P6SM NSW SCT040

40%

What does the METAR code "BKN" mean?

5/8 to 7/8 of the sky

The bottom panel in the VAFTAD chart shows total ash concentrations from the surface up to what altitude?

55,000 MSL

What is the prefix for an altimeter setting in a METAR report?

A

What is being reported in this report: BECMG 0304/0305

A gradual change in conditions between 2000Z and 2100Z on the 10th

What is being reported in this report: BECMG 1020/1021

A gradual change in conditions between 2000Z and 2100Z on the 10th

What is being reported in this report: FM190600

A rapid change in conditions at 0600Z on the 19th

What is being reported in this report: FM061900

A rapid change of conditions after 1900Z on the 6th

You have viewed all of the weather information posted online. What type of briefing should you request?

Abbreviated, The briefer might have some more current information or have information not available on the Internet.

What information should you give the Flight Service briefer when you ask for a standard weather briefing?

Aircraft N-number or pilot's name, Aircraft type, Type of flight (VFR or IFR), Departure airport, Estimated time of departure, Estimated flight time, Planned cruising altitude, Destination airport, Route of flight

What information does a Convective Outlook provide?

Areas in which slight, moderate, or high risk of severe thunderstorms exists

What information can surface analysis charts provide?

Atmosphere pressure patterns

What is the code for blowing in a METAR?

BL

When is this TAF valid: KSEA 032204Z 0322/0418 29012G18KT P6SM -SHRA BKN 015 OVC025

Between 2200Z on the 3rd and 1800Z on the 4th

How long are expected conditions expected to last in this report: BOSR WS 050600 SIGMET ROMOEO 2 VALID UNTIL 051000 ME NH VT FROM CAR TO YSJ TO CON TO MPV TO CAR MOD TO OCNL SEV TURB BLW 080 EXP DUE TO STG NWLY FLOW. CONDS CONTG BYD 1000Z.

Beyond 1000Z

What region does this convective SIGMET cover: MKCC WST 221855 CONVECTIVE SIGMET 20C VALID UNTIL 2055Z ND SD FROM 90W MOT-GFK-ABR-RAP-90W MOT INTSFYG AREA SVR TSTMS MOVG FROM 25030KT. TOPS ABV FL450. TORNADO RPRTD 1820Z 50SW DPR. HAIL TO 1/2 IN WIND GUSTS TO 45KT RPRTD. TORNADOES... HAIL TO 1 IN... WIND GUSTS TO 65KT PSBL.

Central

What does the METAR code "CLR" mean?

Clear Sky (Automated Report)

What does the METAR code "SKC" mean?

Clear Sky (Manual Report)

What information does a standard weather briefing provide?

Complete information concerning weather for your flight

What does the METAR code "CB" mean?

Cumulonimbus clouds

What is the code for a dust storm in a METAR?

DS

After World Meteorological Offices produce reports and forecasts in the Processing stage, they are sent to facilities around the world in the final stage called

Dissemination

In addition to how far ahead the forecast is made, what two other factors can affect the accuracy of a forecast?

Distance between weather reporting stations, The length of time between weather reports

What symbology is used for IFR conditions on a weather depiction chart?

Enclosed, hatch area

What symbology is used for Marginal VFR conditions on a weather depiction chart?

Enclosed, non-hatched area

What does the remark code "B" mean in a METAR?

Event began

What does the remark code "E" mean in a METAR?

Event ended

What is the code for a funnel cloud in a METAR?

FC

What is the code for fog in a METAR?

FG

What is the code for smoke in a METAR?

FU

What information can weather depiction charts provide?

Favorable and adverse weather conditions

What information does an outlook weather briefing provide?

Forecast information for your proposed flight

What wind is reported in this PIREP: UA/OV JXN/TM 1815/FL060/TP C172/SK OVC/TA -08/WV 290030/TB LT-MDT

From 290 degrees at 30 knots

The _________ in time the forecast is, the _________ accurate it becomes.

Further ahead, Less

What is the code for hail in a METAR?

GR

What weather phenomenas can be depicted on surface analysis charts?

High Pressure Center, Low Pressure Center, Cold Front, Stationary Front, Occluded Front, Dry Line, Trough

What information does an AIRMET: Sierra provide?

IFR conditions and mountain obscuration

What information does an AIRMET: Zulu provide?

Icing and freezing levels

What changes are expected to occur at 1600Z in this report: KOKC 051130Z 051212 140008KT 5SM BR BKN030 TEMPO 1316 1 1/2SM BR FM1600 16010KT P6SM SKC BECMG 2224 20013G20KT 4SM SHRA OVC020 PROB40 0006 2SM TSRA OVC008CB BECMG 0608 21015KT P6SM NSW SCT040

Improved visibility to more than six statute miles

Where can you find the frequency for airport AWOS reports?

In the airport information block near the airport symbol on a sectional chart, In airport listings in the Airport/Facility Directory

When is a METAR report issued?

Issued every hour

What are the items in a SIGMET report?

Issuing station, Date and time of report, Number of reports (including this one) regarding this condition, Valid until, Location information, Reported conditions

What weather phenomena does this report indicate: SPECI KRDU 261734Z 17011G17KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN005 BKN014 OVC035 12/11 A2952 RMK AO2 SFC VIS 3 PRESFR P0004

Light rain and mist

What information does a Hurricane Advisory provide?

Location of hurricane storm center, expected movement, maximum winds, and minimum pressure

What information does an AIRMET provide?

Moderate icing, moderate turbulence, sustained winds of 30 knots or more at the surface, ceilings less than 1,000 feet and visibility less than three miles, or both, affecting over 50 percent of an area, and extensive mountain obscuration

What conditions does this SIGMET report: BOSR WS 050600 SIGMET ROMOEO 2 VALID UNTIL 051000 ME NH VT FROM CAR TO YSJ TO CON TO MPV TO CAR MOD TO OCNL SEV TURB BLW 080 EXP DUE TO STG NWLY FLOW. CONDS CONTG BYD 1000Z.

Moderate to occasionally severe turbulence below 8,000 feet

What conditions is this AIRMET reporting: DFWTWA 241650 AIRMET TANGO UPDT 3 FOR TURBC... STGSFC WINDS AND LLWS VALID UNTIL 242000 AIRMET TURBC... OK TX... UPDT FROM OKC TO DFW TO SAT TO MAF TO CDS TO OKC OCNL MDL TURBC BLO 60 DUE TO STG AND GUSTY LOW LVL WINDS. CONDS CONTG BYD 2000Z

Moderate turbulence due to strong and gusty low-level winds

It's 8:00 a.m. and you plan to leave on a cross-country flight at 3:00 p.m. What type of briefing should you request?

Outlook weather briefing

What does the METAR code "OVC" mean?

Overcast

What cloud cover is reported in this METAR: METAR KPIT 101455Z AUTO 21025G35KT 3/4SM R28L/2400FT TSRA OVC010CB 20/18 A2992 RMK SLP045 TO2020189

Overcast skies of cumulonimbus clouds at 1,000 feet

What information does a Severe Weather Watch Bulletin provide?

Possible severe thunderstorms or tornadoes

What information can satellite weather pictures provide?

Presence of clouds

What is the code for rain in a METAR?

RA

What weather phenomena does this report indicate: METAR KPIT 101455Z AUTO 21025G35KT 3/4SM R28L/2400FT TSRA OVC010CB 20/18 A2992 RMK SLP045 TO2020189

Rain and thunderstorms

What are the parts of a TAF report?

Station Identifier, Issue date and time, Valid period, Forecast, Temporary Conditions, Forecast change group, Probability forecast

What is being reported in this PIREP: UA /OV IND 330025/TM 2350/FL100/TP B737/WX +RA/TB MDT

Routine report, The reporting aircraft was 25 NM northwest of the IND VOR, Report was taken at 2350 Zulu, The pilot was at 10,000 feet MSL, Aircraft Type is a Boeing 737, The pilot observed heavy rain and moderate turbulence

What is being reported in this PIREP: UA /OV RFD 180030/TM 1315/FL160/TP PA60 /SK 025 OVC 095/180 OVC /WV

Routine report, The reporting aircraft was 30 NM south of the RFD VOR, Report was taken at 1:15 p.m. GMT, The pilot was at 16,000 feel MSL, Aircraft Type is a Piper PA60, The reporting aircraft was between overcast layers at 9,500 and 18,000 feet MSL, Wind was from 270 degrees at 48 knots

What does the METAR code "R04/2000V24000FT" mean?

Runway 04 has a variable visual range of 2,000 to 2,400 feet

What does the METAR code "R04/M600FT" mean?

Runway 04 has a visual range less than 600 feet

What does the METAR code "R04/2000FT" mean?

Runway 04 has a visual range of 2,000 feet

What does the METAR code "R04/P6000FT" mean?

Runway 04 has a visual range of greater than 6,000 feet

What is the code for showers in a METAR?

SH

What is the code for snow in a METAR?

SN

What does the remark code "SLP" mean in a METAR?

Sea level pressure

What information does a SIGMET provide?

Severe icing, severe or extreme turbulence, clear air turbulence, dust storms and sandstorms lowering visibility to less than three miles, and volcanic ash

What is the difference between the FM, BECMG, and TEMPO groups in a TAF?

TEMPO conditions are temporary, lasting less than an hour within the forecast period, FM and BECMG are long-term changes that will occur within the forecast period and last through the report period

What is the code for a thunderstorm in a METAR?

TS

What does the remark code "T" mean in a METAR?

Temperature/dew point in tenths of a degree Celsius

What is the temperature and dew point if the METAR indicates 23/M15?

Temperature: 23°C Dew Point: -15°C

What information is not included in a standard weather briefing unless requested?

Temperatures and NOTAMs that have already been published in Notices to Airmen

What is being reported in this TAF: KEPH 040530Z 0406/0506 25006KT 5SM HZ BKN 040

There will be a broken ceiling at 4,000 feet AGL, The visibility will be 5 statute miles, The reason for this visibility is haze, The wind will be from 250 degrees at 6 knots

Why would there be no values reported for LKV at either 3,000 or 6,000 feet on a winds and temperatures aloft report?

The location is between 4,500 and 7,500 feet

What does the METAR code "4 1/2SM" mean?

The prevailing visibility is 4.5 statute miles

What does the METAR code "4SM" mean?

The prevailing visibility is four statute miles

What does a METAR with no modifier code provided mean?

The reporting station is a manual station, or manual input occurred at an automated station

What does the METAR modifier code "AUTO" mean?

The reporting station is a totally automated weather observation station

What is being reported in this TAF: TAF KEDW 0310/0416 22009KT 9999 OVC250 BECMG 0321/0322 24012KT 9999 BKN160

This forecast is valid for 30 hours from 1000Z on the 3rd of the month, At this airport, there will be an overcast ceiling at 25,000 feet AGL, The winds will be from 220 degrees at 9 knots, After 2100Z on the 3rd, the winds will increase, the ceiling will decrease, and the visibility will stay the same

What is being reported in this TAF: KTOP 040004Z 0400/0424 32017G28KT 4SM BR OVC009 TEMPO 0400/0404 1SM -DZ FM040700 30014G25KT P6SM BKN022 FM041200 31022G32KT P6SM SCT025 BKN050

This forecast is valid from 000 for 24 hours, Initially there will be an overcast ceiling at 900 feet AGL, With visibility 4 statute miles, After 1200 Zulu, the winds will be from 310 degrees at 22 knots, With gusts to 32 knots, Between 0000 and 0400 Zulu time, the visibility is expected to be 1 statute mile in light drizzle for less than one hour, After 0700Z, the visibility will increase, and the ceiling will increase.

What does the METAR modifier code "COR" mean?

This is a corrected METAR and replaces a previous report

What information does a Convective SIGMET provide?

Tornadoes, lines of thunderstorms, thunderstorms over a wide area, embedded thunderstorms, hail greater than or equal to 3/4 inch diameter, and wind gusts to 50 knots or greater

What does the METAR code "TCU" mean?

Towering cumulus clouds

What information does an AIRMET: Tango provide?

Turbulence, strong surface winds, and low-level wind shear

When is a SPECI report issued?

Unscheduled; Issued because of a single change in one or more elements since the previous hourly report

What information does an abbreviated weather briefing provide?

Updated weather information for specific elements

What does the remark code "VIS - V" mean in a METAR?

Variable visibility

What does the METAR code "VV" mean?

Vertical visibility through fog, haze, or smoke

What information does AWOS-3 provide that AWOS-1 does not?

Visibility, Cloud and ceiling data

What might be reported by ASOS?

Visibility, Wind direction and speed, gusts and squalls, Cloud height to 12,000 feet, Dew point, Altimeter setting, Temperature

What information is provided on a weather station model?

Wind, Station Identifier, Sea Level Pressure, Pressure Change, Clouds, Present Weather, Dew Point, Precipitation, Temperature, Sky Cover

Does this weather observation use a precipitation discriminator to determine the difference between liquid and frozen or freezing precipitation, if issuing this METAR: SPECI KRDU 261734Z 17011G17KT 2 1/2SM -RA BR BKN005 BKN014 OVC035 12/11 A2952 RMK A02 SFC VIS 3 PRESFR P0004

Yes, this station has a precipitation discriminator