Weather Sources and Interpretation Flashcards
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Read the first 6 Weather Sources and Interpretation flashcards as text
(Refer to METAR: KXYZ 121853Z 18015G25KT 1/2SM +TSRA BKN008 OVC015 13/12 A2992) What are the current wind conditions?
Answer: Wind from 180 degrees at 15 knots, gusts to 25 knots.
The wind group `18015G25KT` is decoded as wind from 180 degrees true at a sustained speed of 15 knots. The 'G25' portion indicates that wind is gusting up to 25 knots.
(Refer to TAF: KABC 121730Z 1218/1318 15012KT P6SM BKN030 FM130200 18010KT P6SM SCT040) What weather is forecast for 0300Z on the 13th?
Answer: Wind from 180 degrees at 10 knots, scattered clouds at 4,000 feet.
The `FM130200` group indicates a rapid change (FROM) occurring at 0200 Zulu on the 13th. The forecast weather after this time is wind from 180 degrees at 10 knots, visibility greater than 6 statute miles, and scattered clouds at 4,000 feet AGL.
(Refer to METAR: KXYZ 121853Z AUTO 18015G25KT 3SM -RA BKN008 OVC012 13/12 A2992) What is the reported ceiling?
Answer: 800 feet AGL.
A ceiling is defined as the height of the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken (BKN) or overcast (OVC). In this METAR, the lowest such layer is `BKN008`, which corresponds to a ceiling at 800 feet AGL.
The valid period of a routine Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is typically:
Answer: 24 hours.
Standard TAFs are issued four times a day at 0000Z, 0600Z, 1200Z, and 1800Z. They are typically valid for a 24-hour period, though some international locations may have 30-hour TAFs.
In a METAR, what does the code `VC` indicate?
Answer: In the Vicinity.
The code `VC` stands for 'Vicinity,' which means the specified weather phenomenon is not at the airport station itself, but is within 5 to 10 statute miles of the station. For example, `VCSH` means showers in the vicinity.
Which weather product is a report of current surface weather observations, rather than a forecast?
Answer: METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report).
A METAR is a routine weather report that provides current surface weather conditions observed at a specific time and location (an airport). A TAF, in contrast, is a forecast of expected weather conditions.