METAR is used to describe which of the following?

• A. Observation of current surface weather reported in a standard international format.
• B. A type of weather radar system.
• C. A navigation chart used for flight planning.
• D. A method of predicting weather based on satellite data.

Answer: (A)

METAR describes current surface weather conditions observed at an airport in a standard international format. It provides a concise snapshot of wind speed and direction, visibility, present weather and obstructions, cloud cover and bases, temperature and dew point, and altimeter setting. These reports are issued regularly and are used by pilots and air traffic controllers to assess real-time conditions for safe flight operations and planning. METAR is an observational report, not a forecast—forecasts are provided separately in TAFs or other forecast products. It isn’t a weather radar system, it isn’t a navigation chart, and it isn’t a method of predicting weather from satellite data.