How to tell the difference between METAR and SPECI reports?
I am trying to use METAR data from AviationWeather.gov to programmatically collect hourly rainfall data. This Wiki says that the first field in the report should be "type" - either METAR or SPECI.
Why are METAR issued at 53 minutes of the hour?
Sep 27, 2024 · The ASOS transmits an official meteorological aerodrome report (known as a METAR) at 53 minutes past each hour and a special weather observation (known as a SPECI) as conditions …
How to interpret BECMG and TEMPO in TAF? - Aviation Stack Exchange
Feb 10, 2020 · The BECMG group in a TAF describes a gradual change which will take place over a prolonged period of time, but will be the prevailing weather once that change is complete. The time …
What do these two METAR codes mean? - Aviation Stack Exchange
Dec 7, 2020 · What is the meaning of the RF group in METAR/SPECI and TTF? This group reports rainfall in the last ten minutes and accumulated rainfall since 0900 local. For example, RF02.2/024.4 …
When are winds given with respect to true vs. magnetic north?
Apr 5, 2017 · The general rule is: If you read it, it's true. If you hear it, it's magnetic. All charts and textual sources (METAR, TAF, winds aloft, surface analysis charts, etc) use true north as the reference. …
Why is mist abbreviated BR on METARs and TAFs?
Sep 25, 2015 · The abbreviation for a condition of mist is BR on METAR and TAF reports. How did mist end up getting abbreviated as BR?
Is it acceptable to abbreviate “Foxtrot” to “Fox”?
Mar 7, 2024 · Simply put: no, it is not ok to abbreviate the phonetic alphabet. The reason the phonetic alphabet is used in aviation is to make communications as clear as possible with minimum chances …
faa regulations - What is the resolution and the range of QNH ...
Mar 3, 2025 · For local routine reports, local special reports, METAR and SPECI, QNH and QFE shall be computed in tenths of hectopascals and reported therein in steps of whole hectopascals, using four …
meteorology - What is wind "CALM"? - Aviation Stack Exchange
Jun 13, 2019 · Wind "CALM" means a wind speed less than 0.5m/s (1 kt) according to ICAO Annex 3, Appendix 3: 4.1.5.2 In local routine and special reports and in METAR and SPECI: ... d) when a wind …
faa regulations - What are Operations Specifications (OpSpecs ...
An OpSpecs is basically a contract between the FAA and the Carrier. It grants permission for the carrier to operate and contains the permissions for several parts of the operation. The OpSpecs are created …