How to Read a METAR
METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is the standardized hourly weather observation used worldwide. Reading them fluently is essential for every pilot — students, ATP captains, and airline dispatchers all use the same format. This guide walks through every field with a real-world example.
Prerequisites
- → No prerequisites — beginner-friendly
- → Optional: METAR Decoder tool open in another tab to verify your understanding
Step-by-Step
- 1
Identify the report type and station
Format starts with 'METAR' (or 'SPECI' for off-cycle) followed by the 4-letter ICAO. Example: 'METAR KJFK' = standard hourly METAR for John F Kennedy.
- 2
Read date/time (Zulu)
Six-digit group: DDHHMMZ. '171253Z' = 17th day of month, 12:53 UTC. Always Zulu/UTC, never local.
- 3
Decode wind
Five-digit group like '24015G22KT'. First three digits = direction in degrees true (240). Next two = speed (15 kt). G22 = gusts to 22 kt. KT = knots. 'VRB' = variable direction at low speed.
- 4
Read visibility
Number followed by 'SM' (statute miles) in US, or meters in ICAO. '10SM' = 10+ statute miles. '1/2SM' = half mile. Less than 1/2 = 'M1/2SM'.
- 5
Identify weather phenomena
Codes prefixed with intensity: '-' light, no prefix moderate, '+' heavy. 'VC' vicinity. Common codes: RA (rain), SN (snow), TS (thunderstorm), FG (fog), BR (mist), HZ (haze), DZ (drizzle).
- 6
Read sky condition
Coverage codes followed by altitude in hundreds of feet AGL. SKC/CLR (clear), FEW (1-2/8), SCT (3-4/8), BKN (5-7/8), OVC (8/8). 'BKN025' = broken at 2,500 ft AGL. CB or TCU appended for storm clouds.
- 7
Read temperature/dewpoint and altimeter
Two numbers separated by /. Negative prefixed with M. '12/08' = +12°C / +8°C dewpoint. 'A2992' = altimeter 29.92 in Hg (US) or 'Q1013' = 1013 hPa (international).
- 8
Parse remarks (RMK)
Optional, after 'RMK'. AO2 (automated with precip sensor), SLP (sea level pressure), trends, peak winds, cloud detail.
Common Mistakes
- × Confusing magnetic vs true wind direction (METAR is always TRUE, ATIS is MAGNETIC)
- × Forgetting that visibility code 'P6SM' means 'plus 6' (greater than 6 SM)
- × Reading altitudes as MSL — METAR sky altitudes are AGL
- × Missing CB/TCU annotation indicating thunderstorm presence
Pro Tips
- ★ Memorize the decoder order: type-station-time-wind-vis-wx-clouds-temp/dew-altimeter-remarks
- ★ Always check the issue time vs current time — data older than 1 hour is stale
- ★ Use SPECI reports for rapidly changing conditions
- ★ Cross-check METAR with PIREPs and area forecasts
Conclusion
Reading METARs fluently is one of the highest ROI skills for new pilots. Practice with 5 random METARs each morning before flying. Within a month you'll decode them faster than the printed legend.
FAQ
Are METARs in UTC or local time?
Always UTC (Zulu time). The Z suffix on the date/time group confirms it.
How often are METARs issued?
Hourly at most observation airports. SPECI reports are issued when conditions change significantly between hourly METARs.