What does METAR stand for?

METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report. This is a standardized format for reporting current weather conditions at an airport or aerodrome and is widely used in aviation. The primary purpose of METAR is to provide essential weather information to pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure safe aircraft operations. A typical METAR report includes details such as temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction, visibility, cloud cover, and any significant weather phenomena.

Understanding METAR is crucial for flight planning and navigation, as it allows pilots to evaluate weather conditions and make informed decisions regarding departures, arrivals, and in-flight adjustments. The term is specifically rooted in aviation meteorology, thereby clarifying its context and importance in the aviation field.