Which statement correctly describes METAR and TAF?

Which statement correctly describes METAR and TAF?

• A. METAR provides current weather observations; TAF provides forecast weather
• B. METAR provides forecast; TAF provides current
• C. METAR and TAF both provide NOTAMs
• D. METAR provides wind only

Answer: (A)

METAR and TAF work as a pair for weather information: METAR is the current weather observation for an aerodrome, while TAF is a forecast for that aerodrome. METAR reports the present conditions you’d observe right now—wind direction and speed, visibility, present weather (like rain or snow), cloud cover and base heights, temperature, dew point, and the altimeter setting. TAF projects what conditions are expected over the next 24 to 30 hours, often in 6-hour blocks and with indicators for temporary changes or increasing/decreasing trends, so pilots know what to anticipate during flight planning and en route. They are not NOTAMs; NOTAMs are separate notices about airspace, procedures, or facilities. METAR and TAF focus specifically on weather, with METAR giving current data and TAF giving forecasted data.

METAR and TAF work as a pair for weather information: METAR is the current weather observation for an aerodrome, while TAF is a forecast for that aerodrome. METAR reports the present conditions you’d observe right now—wind direction and speed, visibility, present weather (like rain or snow), cloud cover and base heights, temperature, dew point, and the altimeter setting. TAF projects what conditions are expected over the next 24 to 30 hours, often in 6-hour blocks and with indicators for temporary changes or increasing/decreasing trends, so pilots know what to anticipate during flight planning and en route. They are not NOTAMs; NOTAMs are separate notices about airspace, procedures, or facilities. METAR and TAF focus specifically on weather, with METAR giving current data and TAF giving forecasted data.