METAR vs TAF
Aviation weather products compared: METAR (current) vs TAF (forecast), how to read each, and which to rely on for go/no-go decisions.
Head-to-Head Comparison
METAR
TAF
Type
Observation
Forecast
Validity
1 hour (or until next METAR/SPECI)
24-30 hours
Issued by
ASOS/AWOS or observer
NWS forecasters
Issue frequency
Hourly + ad-hoc SPECI
4x daily
Pricing
METAR
Free
TAF
Free
Pros & Cons
METAR
Pros
- +Current actual conditions
- +Hourly + SPECI for changes
- +Globally standardized format
Cons
- –Snapshot only — doesn't predict change
- –Issued from airport observation point only
TAF
Pros
- +Forecast for next 24-30 hours
- +Includes BECMG, TEMPO, FM groups for changes
- +Issued by trained forecasters
Cons
- –Forecast accuracy degrades after 12-18 hours
- –Only at major airports
Best For
METAR
Departure / arrival current weather check
TAF
Trip planning, alternate selection, fuel reserve calculation
Our Verdict
Use both. METAR for departure-time decision, TAF for trip-arc planning. Real briefing combines METAR + TAF + AIRMET/SIGMET + PIREPs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I depart legally on TAF?
Departure decision uses current METAR. Alternate / fuel decisions use TAF for ETA.
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