How to use
- 1Enter a 4-letter ICAO code (KJFK, EGLL) or a 3-letter IATA code (JFK, LHR).
- 2Click “Get weather” to load the current METAR and TAF.
- 3Or open “paste a METAR / TAF” and decode any raw report.
- 4Read the summary — wind, visibility, ceiling, temperature, pressure and the VFR/MVFR/IFR/LIFR category — then each group explained.
Reading a METAR
A METAR is a routine airport weather observation, usually issued every hour, with SPECI reports when conditions change significantly. Take KJFK 061251Z 31015G25KT 10SM FEW050 BKN250 18/07 A3002: station KJFK, observed on the 6th at 12:51 UTC, wind from 310° at 15 knots gusting 25, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 5,000 ft and broken at 25,000 ft, temperature 18 °C with dew point 7 °C, altimeter 30.02 inHg. The decoder handles US conventions (statute miles, altimeter in inHg) and the ICAO conventions used elsewhere (visibility in metres, 9999 for 10 km or more, QNH in hPa, CAVOK), plus runway visual range, wind shear, recent weather and basic remarks such as AO2, sea-level pressure and precise T-group temperatures.
Weather codes and flight categories
Present weather combines an intensity (− light, + heavy, VC in the vicinity), a descriptor (SH showers, TS thunderstorm, FZ freezing, BL blowing) and phenomena (RA rain, SN snow, DZ drizzle, BR mist, FG fog, HZ haze, GR hail). So −SHRA means light rain showers and +TSRA a thunderstorm with heavy rain. Cloud cover is given in oktas: FEW 1–2, SCT 3–4, BKN 5–7, OVC 8, with CB and TCU marking convective clouds. The flight category follows the FAA definitions, using the ceiling (lowest broken or overcast layer, or vertical visibility) and the visibility: VFR above 3,000 ft and above 5 SM; MVFR 1,000–3,000 ft or 3–5 SM; IFR 500 to below 1,000 ft or 1 to below 3 SM; LIFR below 500 ft or below 1 SM.
TAF forecasts and data source
A TAF is a terminal aerodrome forecast, usually covering 24 or 30 hours. The decoder splits it into periods: FM (from a specific time, a complete change), BECMG (gradually becoming), TEMPO (temporary fluctuations) and PROB30/PROB40 (probability). METAR trend groups such as NOSIG (no significant change expected in the next 2 hours) are decoded as well. Live data comes from the NOAA Aviation Weather Center (aviationweather.gov) and is cached for 5 minutes. The tool is for training and information; use an official briefing for flight planning.
Frequently asked questions
What does CAVOK mean?
Ceiling and visibility OK: visibility 10 km or more, no cloud below 5,000 ft (or the highest minimum sector altitude, if higher), no cumulonimbus or towering cumulus, and no significant weather.
How often is a METAR updated?
Most airports issue a METAR every hour, some every 30 minutes, with SPECI reports in between when the weather changes significantly.
What is the difference between a METAR and a TAF?
A METAR reports the weather observed at one moment; a TAF forecasts conditions at the airport for the next 24 to 30 hours.
Can I search by IATA code?
Yes. Reports are filed under 4-letter ICAO codes, but you can type a 3-letter IATA code such as LAX and the tool looks up the matching ICAO code.
What is the difference between A and Q pressure groups?
A3002 is the altimeter setting in inches of mercury (30.02 inHg), used in North America; Q1013 is QNH in hectopascals, used in most other countries. The decoder shows both units.
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