Decoded Results
Weather summary appears here after decoding.
Weather Report Input
How METAR and TAF Decoding Works
METAR reports describe observed airport weather using compact international codes. A report normally identifies the station, observation time, wind, visibility, weather, clouds, temperature, dew point, and pressure. Some reports also include runway visual range and detailed remarks. This decoder separates those groups and translates them into plain language. It also preserves the original report, so users can compare every decoded value with its source code.
Understanding METAR Conditions
Wind groups can include direction, sustained speed, gusts, and variable direction. Visibility may appear in statute miles or metres. Cloud groups describe coverage and height above the airport. Broken and overcast layers can establish a ceiling. Weather codes can describe rain, snow, fog, thunderstorms, freezing precipitation, haze, and other conditions. Pressure can appear as an altimeter value in inches of mercury or QNH in hectopascals. The tool also estimates VFR, MVFR, IFR, or LIFR when enough ceiling and visibility data is available.
Reading TAF Forecast Changes
TAF reports describe forecast airport conditions across a validity period. They often begin with prevailing wind, visibility, weather, and cloud information. Change groups then show when conditions are expected to evolve. FM introduces conditions beginning at a specific time. TEMPO marks temporary fluctuations. PROB30 and PROB40 show probabilistic periods when present. BECMG describes a gradual transition used by many international services. This decoder organizes those sections into a timeline, making forecast changes easier to scan.
Use Results Carefully
Decoded output is useful for learning, briefing support, and quick interpretation. Aviation weather codes can contain national variations, uncommon remarks, and amended conventions. Unsupported groups remain visible for review rather than being silently discarded. Pilots and dispatchers should still consult authorized weather products, official notices, and applicable operational procedures before making flight decisions. This tool explains coded reports but does not replace certified aviation weather services or professional judgment.
Example Code Reference
| Code | Meaning | Example interpretation |
|---|---|---|
21018G28KT | Wind | From 210° at 18 knots, gusting 28 knots |
1 1/2SM | Visibility | One and one-half statute miles |
-TSRA | Weather | Light thunderstorm with rain |
BKN008 | Clouds | Broken clouds at 800 feet AGL |
A2987 | Altimeter | 29.87 inches of mercury |
TEMPO | TAF change group | Temporary forecast conditions during a stated period |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between METAR and TAF?
METAR describes observed conditions at or near an airport. TAF describes forecast conditions across a future validity period.
What do VFR, MVFR, IFR, and LIFR mean here?
They are estimated flight categories based mainly on reported ceiling and visibility. They provide a quick summary, not an operational clearance.
Can the decoder read U.S. and international reports?
It supports many common ICAO groups, including U.S. altimeter notation and international QNH and BECMG formats. Rare national remarks may remain undecoded.
Why are some tokens marked unsupported?
METAR and TAF coding includes specialized and regional groups. The tool intentionally displays unknown tokens so important source information is never hidden.
Does the PDF contain the original report?
Yes. The PDF export includes the raw weather text, decoded summary, details, hazards, and forecast timeline when available.
Can this replace official aviation weather products?
No. Use official aviation weather sources and required operational procedures for real-world flight planning and decision making.