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FOREWORD
This information booklet has been designed and prepared by the Training and Education
Services Branch to aid in decoding Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METAR). Its contents
are in accordance with the standard coding as developed and approved by the National Weather
Services Directorate of Environment Canada.
Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Symbolic Form of the METAR Code (Canada)
1.3 Detailed Decoding
1.4 METAR Examples
1.5 METAR Exercise
1.6 METAR Exercise Answers
1.1 Introduction
The hourly code, or SA, has been used in North America for over 50 years. A different code,
METAR, is used for aviation weather in the rest of the world. Canada made a commitment to
produce and distribute METAR reports internationally for 31 sites commencing July 31, 1993.
Further to this, Canada, the United States, and Mexico have agreed to replace the SA with
METAR for aviation within North America beginning in 1996.
The purpose of this booklet is to further explain each element of the METAR and to give
examples of the various codes. An exercise has been provided to reinforce one's understanding
of this new code.
METAR is the name of the international meteorological code for an aviation routine weather
report. METAR observations are normally taken and disseminated on the hour. A SPECI, the
name of the code for an aviation selected special weather report, will be reported when weather
changes of significance to aviation are observed.
In Canada, METAR and SPECI reports are not encoded by the observer, but are generated by
computer software, based on hourly or special observations taken at either staffed or automatic
sites.
The code is composed of several groups which are always in the same relative position to one
another. When a weather element or phenomenon does not occur, the corresponding group (or
extension) is omitted. Certain groups may be repeated.
Despite the fact that METAR is an international code, there are some national variations. For
example, wind speed may be reported in different units, however the units are always appended
to the values to avoid any misunderstanding.
WS ALL RWY RMK (Layer type and opacity) (General Remarks) SLPppp
Symbols shown in BOLD in the symbolic format are included verbatim as part of the message,
whenever the relevant group is included in the message. All other symbols are replaced by
appropriate data as applicable.
The code name METAR (or SPECI), is given in the first line of text. A "SPECI" report is
issued when significant changes in weather conditions occur off the hour. There is no provision
in METAR for an "RS" report.
METAR CYWG 172000Z 30015G25KT 3/4SM R36/4000FT/D -SN BLSN BKN008 OVC040
M05/M08 A2992 REFZRA WS RWY36RMK SF5NS3 SLP134
CCCC is the 4-letter ICAO station identifier (formed by "C" preceding the Canadian 3?letter
station identifier).
CCCC - Station Identifier
Example: CYUL (Montreal/Dorval International Airport)
The 3-letter identifier is YUL; the 4-letter METAR identifier is CYUL.
METAR CYWG 172000Z 30015G25KT 3/4SM R36/4000FT/D -SN BLSN BKN008 OVC040
M05/M08 A2992 REFZRA WS RWY36 RMK SF5NS3 SLP134
The date and time of observation (YYGGggZ) is included in all reports. The official time of
observation (on the hour) is used for all METAR reports that do not deviate from the official
time by more than 10 minutes. In SPECI reports the time refers to the time of occurrence
(hours and minutes) of the change(s) which required the issue of the report.
The official time of observation was 1200 UTC, on the 5th day. This was the second correction
to the 1200Z report. (The first correction to a METAR or SPECI would be denoted by CCA,
the second correction to the same report by CCB, and so on.)
METAR CYWG 172000Z 30015G25KT 3/4SM R36/4000FT/D -SN BLSN BKN008 OVC040
M05/M08 A2992 REFZRA WS RWY36 RMK SF5NS3 SLP134
This group reports the 2-minute mean wind direction and speed, along with gusts.
Wind direction (ddd) is always three digits, given in degrees (true) but rounded off to the
nearest 10 degrees (the third digit is always a "0"). In the case of mean wind speeds of 3 knots
or less and a variable direction, wind direction (ddd) is encoded as "VRB".
Wind speeds (ff) are two digits (or three digits if required), in knots.
Calm is encoded as "00000KT".
Gfmfm will be included if gust speeds exceed the mean speed by 10 knots or more in the 10-
minute period preceding the observation. If this condition is not met, Gfmfm is
omitted. G indicates gusts and fmfm is the peak gust reported, using two or three digits as
required.
KT - Wind Units
In Canada and the U.S., the unit for wind speed is knots (nautical miles per hour). Other
countries may use kilometres per hour (KMH), or metres per second (MPS).
dddffGfmfmKT - Wind
METAR CYWG 172000Z 30015G25KT 260V340 3/4SM R36/4000FT/D -SN BLSN BKN008
OVC040 M05/M08 A2992 REFZRA WS RWY36 RMK SF5NS3 SLP134
This group reports variations in wind direction. It is only included if during the 10?minute
period preceding the observation the direction varies by 60 degrees or more, and the mean
speed exceeds 3 knots. The two extreme directions are encoded in clockwise order.
example: 060V130
The wind direction is varying from 060 degrees to 130 degrees.0
This group reports the prevailing visibility in statute miles and fractions. VVVV is the reported
visibility and SM indicates the units are statute miles. Lower sector visibilities which are half
or less of the prevailing visibility are reported as remarks at the end of the report.
In Canada and the U.S., the unit for reporting visibility is statute miles. Other countries report
the visibility in metres.
METAR CYWG 172000Z 30015G25KT 3/4SM R36/4000FT/D -SN BLSN BKN008 OVC040
M05/M08 A2992 REFZRA WS RWY36 RMK SF5NS3 SLP134
This group reports the 10-minute average runway visual range. It is included if the prevailing
visibility is 1 statute mile or less, and/or the runway visual range is 6000 feet or less.
R, the group indicator, is followed by DRDR which is the runway designator (e.g. "06"), to
which may be appended the letters "L", "C", or "R" (left, centre, or right) if there are two or
more parallel runways.
VRVRVRVR is the value of RVR reported in hundreds of feet, using three or four
digits. FT indicates the units for RVR are feet. "M" preceding the lowest measurable value (or
"P" preceding the highest) indicates the value is beyond the instrument range.
i indicates the RVR trend. If there is a distinct upward or downward trend from the first to the
second 5-minute part-period such that the RVR changes by 300 feet or more, the trend (i) is
encoded "U" or "D" (upward or downward). If no distinct change is observed, the trend (i) is
encoded "N". If it is not possible to determine the trend, /i is omitted.
METAR CYWG 172000Z 30015G25KT 3/4SM R36/4000FT/D -SN BLSN BKN008 OVC040
M05/M08 A2992 REFZRA WS RWY36 RMK SF5NS3 SLP134
w'w' represents present weather, coded in accordance with WMO Code Table 4678. As many
groups as necessary are included, with each group containing from 2 to 9 characters.
Present weather is comprised of weather phenomena, which may be one or more forms
of precipitation, obscuration, or other phenomena. Weather phenomena are preceded by one or
two qualifiers, one of which describes either the intensity or proximity to the station of the
phenomena, the other of which describes the phenomena in some other manner.
QUALIFIERS
Intensity
If the intensity of the phenomena being reported in a group is either light or heavy, this is
indicated by the appropriate sign. No sign is included if the intensity is moderate, or when an
intensity is not relevant.
If more than one type of precipitation are reported together in a group, the predominant type is
given first. However, the reported intensity represents the "overall" intensity of the combined
types of precipitation.
Proximity
SH (showers);
FG (fog);
BLSN, BLDU, BLSA (blowing snow, blowing dust, blowing sand);
PO (dust/sand whirls);
DS (duststorm), SS (sandstorm).
VC is used if these phenomena are observed within 8 KM (5 miles), but not at the station.
When VC is associated with "SH", the type and intensity of precipitation is not specified.
BL Blowing FC Funnel
VA Volcanic
+ Heavy IC Ice Cloud
Ash
Crystals
(with any visibility)
SH Shower(s) (VVVV 6 SM)
SS Sandstorm
(VVVV < 5/8
SM)
VC In the TS PL Ice DU Dust (+SS VVVV <
Vicinity Thunderstorm Pellets (VVVV 6 SM) 5/16 SM)
UP Unknown
precipitation
(auto)
Descriptor
The descriptors MI (shallow), BC (patches) and PR (partial) are used only in combination with
the letter abbreviation FG (fog), e.g. "MIFG".
The descriptors DR (drifting) and BL (blowing) are used only in combination with SN (snow),
DU (dust) and SA (sand). Drifting is used if the snow, dust or sand is raised less than two
metres above ground; if two metres or more, blowing is used.
If blowing snow (BLSN) and snow (SN) are occurring together, both are reported but in
separate w'w' groups, e.g. "SN BLSN".
(Note: TS and SH are not used together, since w'w' groups can have only one descriptor.)
FZ (freezing) is used only in combination with the weather types DZ (drizzle), RA (rain) and
FG (fog).
WEATHER PHENOMENA
Different forms of precipitation are combined in one group, the predominant form being
reported first. The intensity qualifier selected represents the overall intensity of the entire
group, not just one component of the group. The one exception is freezing precipitation (FZRA
or FZDZ), which is always reported in a separate w'w' group.
Obstructions to Vision are generally reported if the prevailing visibility is six miles or less,
with some exceptions.
Any obscuration occurring simultaneously with one or more forms of precipitation is reported
in a separate w'w' group. Other phenomena are also reported in separate groups.
PRECIPITATION
RA....RAIN DZ....DRIZZLE
SN....SNOW SG....SNOW GRAINS
PE....ICE PELLETS GR....HAIL
GS....SNOW PELLETS IC.....ICE CRYSTALS
UP....UNKNOWN PCPN (AUTO)
OBSCURATION
BR....MIST FU....SMOKE
FG....FOG HZ....HAZE
SA....SAND DU....DUST
VA....VOLCANIC ASH
OTHER PHENOMENA
This group is used to report sky condition for layers aloft. NsNsNs symbolizes the layer
coverage, and hshshs represents the height of the layer above station elevation. Summation
amount (the cumulative portion covered) is used to determine the coverage symbol.
A cloud ceiling is said to exist at the height of the first layer for which a coverage symbol of
BKN or OVC is reported. The existence of a vertical visibility reported in the VVhshshs group
constitutes an obscured ceiling.
hshshs represents the height of the layer above station elevation in increments of 30 metres (100
feet) to a height of 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), thereafter in increments of 300 metres (1,000
feet).
Significant convective clouds (CB or TCU only), if observed, are identified by the letter
abbreviations CB (Cumulonimbus) or TCU (Towering Cumulus) appended to the cloud group
without a space, e.g. "SCT025TCU".
METAR CYYT 081100Z 00000KT 0SM FG VV000 07/07 A3019 RMK F8 SLP224
This group is reported when the sky is obscured. VV is the group indicator, and hshshs is the
vertical visibility in units of 30 metres (hundreds of feet).
The WMO standard is somewhat different than Canadian standards for reporting of cloud
layers. The criteria below is given for reference only and is not applicable to Canadian
reporting stations.
The selection of layers or masses of cloud reported shall be made in accordance with the
following criteria:
1st group: the lowest individual layer (mass) of any amount, to be reported as FEW, SCT, BKN
or OVC
2nd group: the next individual layer (mass) covering more than two oktas, to be reported as
SCT, BKN or OVC
3rd group: the next higher individual layer (mass) covering more than four oktas, to be reported
as BKN or OVC
Additional groups: significant convective clouds (CB or TCU) when observed and not already
reported in one of the three groups above.
Reports from other countries may use the term CAVOK. This would imply the following
conditions are occurring simultaneously at the time of observation:
1. Visibility: 10 km or more;
2. No cloud below 1500 metres (5000 ft) or below the highest minimum sector altitude,
whichever is greater, and no Cumulonimbus;
3. No significant weather phenomena (see Code Table 4678).
This group reports the air temperature (T'T') and the dew-point temperature (T'dT'd), rounded
to the nearest whole Celsius degree (e.g. +2.5C would be rounded to +3C). Negative values
are preceded by the letter M, and values with a tenths digit equal to precisely 5 (e.g. 2.5, -0.5, -
1.5, -12.5 etc.) are rounded to the warmer whole degree.
T'T'/T'dT'd - Temperature/Dew-point
METAR CYWG 172000Z 30015G25KT 3/4SM R36/4000FT/D -SN BLSN BKN008 OVC040
M05/M08 A2992 REFZRA WS RWY36 RMK SF5NS3 SLP134
This group reports the altimeter setting. A is the group indicator, and PHPHPHPH is the
altimeter setting in hundredths of inches, using four digits. (Internationally, the group indicator
is "Q", and the altimeter setting is reported to the nearest hectopascal.)
example: A3012
The altimeter setting is 30.12 inches of mercury.
METAR CYWG 172000Z 30015G25KT 3/4SM R36/4000FT/D -SN BLSN BKN008 OVC040
M05/M08 A2992 REFZRA WS RWY36 RMK SF5NS3 SLP134
This group reports recent weather of operational significance. The group indicator RE is
followed, without a space, by the appropriate abbreviation(s) for weather observed during the
period since the last (scheduled) routine report ("METAR"), but not observed at the time of
observation. Recent weather is included in "METAR" and "SPECI" reports.
Freezing precipitation;
Moderate or heavy drizzle, rain or snow;
Moderate or heavy ice pellets, hail or snow pellets;
Moderate or heavy blowing snow;
Sandstorm or duststorm;
Tornado, waterspout or funnel cloud;
Thunderstorm;
Volcanic ash.
The same phenomenon is only reported as present weather (in w'w') and recent weather
(in REw'w') if it was of greater intensity during the period since the last routine report. For
example, with a moderate rainshower at 1800Z and a heavy rainshower at 1700Z (or later), the
1800Z METAR would report "SHRA" (in w'w') and "RERA" (in Rew'w').
REw'w' - Recent Weather
METAR CYWG 172000Z 30015G25KT 3/4SM R36/4000FT/D -SN BLSN BKN008 OVC040
M05/M08 A2992 REFZRA WS RWY36 RMK SF5NS3 SLP134
These groups report low level windshear (within 1600 feet AGL) along the takeoff or approach
path. DRDR is the runway designator, to which the letters "L", "C", or "R" (left, centre, or right)
may be appended. If the existence of windshear applies to all runways, WS ALL RWY is used.
METAR CYYQ 171100Z 30024KT 1SM R33/3500FT ?SN BLSN BKN006 OVC022
M19/M23 A2978 RMK SF4NS4 VSBY 1/2?11/2 SLP134
Remarks will appear in reports from Canada and the U.S., prefaced by RMK. Remarks will
include layer type and opacity (in oktas) of clouds and/or obscuring phenomena, general
weather remarks, and sea level pressure (in hectopascals), as required.
RMK - Remarks
The following are examples of METAR reports. The SA format is included for comparison.
The METAR format for each example has been decoded.
EXAMPLE #1
METAR FORMAT
METAR CYOW 160800Z 21004KT 8SM -TSRA BKN020 OVC100 20/18 A2966 RMK
SC5AC3 CB EMBDD
LTGCG SE SLP044=
SA FORMAT
METAR DECODED
STATION: OTTAWA
DATE/TIME: 16th at 0800 UTC
WIND: 210 TRUE AT 4 KNOTS
VISIBILITY: 8 STATUTE MILES
WEATHER: THUNDERSTORM LIGHT RAINSHOWER
SKY CONDITION: BROKEN AT 2000 FEET OVERCAST AT 10000 FEET
TEMPERATURE: 20C
DEWPOINT: 18C
ALTIMETER SETTING: 29.66 INCHES OF MERCURY
REMARKS: STRATOCUMULUS 5 OKTAS ALTOCUMULUS 3 OKTAS,
CUMULONIMBUS EMBEDDED, LIGHTNING CLOUD TO GROUND SOUTHEAST, SEA
LEVEL PRESSURE 1004.4 hPa
EXAMPLE #2
METAR FORMAT
METAR CYQX 141200Z CCB 32008KT 1/4SM FG VV002 09/08 A2963 RMK F8 SLP040=
SA FORMAT
METAR DECODED
STATION: GANDER
DATE/TIME: 14th at 1200 UTC (second correction)
WIND: 320 TRUE AT 8 KNOTS
VISIBILITY: 1/4 STATUTE MILES
WEATHER: FOG
SKY CONDITION: SKY OBSCURED VERTICAL VISIBILITY 200 FEET
TEMPERATURE: 9C
DEWPOINT: 8C
ALTIMETER SETTING: 29.63 INCHES OF MERCURY
REMARKS: FOG 8 OKTAS, SEA LEVEL PRESSURE 1004.0 hPa
EXAMPLE #3
METAR FORMAT
METAR CYYQ 241700Z 34011KT 2SM -DZ BR OVC004 05/05 A2994 RMK F4SF3 VSBY
NE QUAD 1 SLP140=
SA FORMAT
METAR DECODED
STATION: CHURCHILL
DATE/TIME: 24th at 1700 UTC
WIND: 340 TRUE AT 11 KNOTS
VISIBILITY: 2 STATUTE MILES
WEATHER: LIGHT DRIZZLE AND FOG (MIST)
SKY CONDITION: OVERCAST AT 400 FEET
TEMPERATURE: 5C
DEWPOINT: 5C
ALTIMETER SETTING: 29.94 INCHES OF MERCURY
REMARKS: FOG 4 OKTAS STRATUS FRACTUS 3 OKTAS, VISIBILITY NORTHEAST
QUADRANT 1 MILE, SEA LEVEL PRESSURE 1014.0 hPa
EXAMPLE #4
METAR FORMAT
METAR CYYQ 301300Z 35011KT 1/8SM FG VV001 02/02 A2991 RMK F8 SLP131=
SA FORMAT
METAR DECODED
STATION: CHURCHILL
DATE/TIME: 30th at 1300 UTC
WIND: 350 TRUE AT 11 KNOTS
VISIBILITY: 1/8 STATUTE MILES
WEATHER: FOG
SKY CONDITION: SKY OBSCURED VERTICAL VISIBILITY 100 FEET
TEMPERATURE: 2C
DEWPOINT: 2C
ALTIMETER SETTING: 29.91 INCHES OF MERCURY
REMARK: FOG 8 OKTAS, SEA LEVEL PRESSURE 1013.1 hPa
EXAMPLE #5
SPECI FORMAT
SPECI CYVR 061843Z 09008KT 4SM -SHRA BR BKN006 BKN015 OVC040 RMK
CF6SC2SC1 TCU EMBDD=
SA FORMAT
YVR SP 1843 M6 BKN 15 BKN 40 OVC 4RW-F 0908 CF7SC2SC1 TCU EMBDD=
SPECI DECODED
STATION: VANCOUVER
DATE/TIME: 6th at 1843 UTC
WIND: 090 TRUE AT 8 KNOTS
VISIBILITY: 4 STATUTE MILES
WEATHER: LIGHT RAINSHOWER AND FOG (MIST)
SKY CONDITION: BROKEN AT 600 FEET BROKEN AT 1500 FEET OVERCAST AT
4000 FEET
REMARKS: CUMULUS FRACTUS 6 OKTAS STRATOCUMULUS 2 OKTAS
STRATOCUMULUS 1 OKTA, TOWERING CUMULUS EMBEDDED
Note: In the above SPECI, as a result of rounding-off by the current input software, the layer
opacities add up to 9 oktas.
EXAMPLE #6
METAR FORMAT
METAR CYQB 201900Z 00000KT 3/4SM -SHRA BR BKN004 OVC020 19/18 A2962 RMK
SF6SC2 SLP032=
SA FORMAT
METAR DECODED
STATION: QUBEC
DATE/TIME: 20th at 1900 UTC
WIND: CALM
VISIBILITY: 3/4 STATUTE MILES
WEATHER: LIGHT RAINSHOWER AND FOG (MIST)
SKY CONDITION: BROKEN AT 400 FEET OVERCAST AT 2000 FEET
TEMPERATURE: 19C
DEWPOINT: 18C
ALTIMETER SETTING: 29.62 INCHES OF MERCURY
REMARKS: STRATUS FRACTUS 6 OKTAS STRATOCUMULUS 2 OKTAS,
SEA LEVEL PRESSURE 1003.2 hPa
Using the following Canadian METAR reports, answer the questions below:
11. Which station is reporting the lowest cloud layer and what is the height?
4. What is the wind direction and speed at (CYYQ) Churchill? 340 at 15 kts gusting to 30 kts
5. What is the wind direction and speed at (CYVR) Vancouver? wind variable at 3 kts
6. What are the reported clouds at (CYUL) Montreal? not available from autostation reports
8. What is the sky condition reported at (CYVR) Vancouver? sky obscured vertical visibility
200 feet
10. Which station(s) is reporting the greatest visibility? CYEG and CYHZ
11. Which station is reporting the lowest cloud layer and what is the height?
12. What is the present weather reported at (CYYQ) Churchill? light snow and blowing snow
13. What is the present weather reported at (CYAW) Shearwater? light rain and drizzle,
and fog (mist)