What information does METAR provide?

METAR is an aviation routine weather report that provides a wealth of information essential for pilots and meteorologists. Among the details it covers, one of the key elements is the direction of wind relative to true north and wind speed in knots. This information is crucial for flight planning and operations, as wind direction affects aircraft performance, fuel consumption, and flight safety. Knowing the wind conditions allows pilots to anticipate changes in flight path and adjust their actions accordingly.

While temperature, humidity levels, cloud cover, visibility range, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure are all important components of weather reports, METAR primarily focuses on wind information, including its direction and speed. This focus helps ensure that pilots receive timely and relevant information that directly impacts their operational decisions in the cockpit.