METAR = Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report

METAR is the international standard code format for hourly surface weather observations which is analogous to the SA coding currently used in the US. The acronym roughly translates from French as Aviation Routine Weather Report.

TAF = Terminal Aerodrome Forecast

TAF is the international standard code format for terminal forecasts issued for airports.

Flight Rule Indicator

The flight rule condition indicator (top righthand corner) shows the current (METAR) weather situation as follows (based on NWS):

 Ceiling below 500 feet AGL* and/or visibility less than 1 mile

 Ceiling between 500 - 1000 feet AGL and/or visibility between 1 - 3 miles

 Ceiling between 1000 - 3000 feet AGL and/or visibility between 3 - 5 miles

 Ceiling greather than 3000 feet AGL and visibility greather than 5 miles

* AGL = above ground level

Check out these sites for further information:

• METAR and TAF Information (NOAA Satellite and Information Service)
• Data source: Aviation Weather Center (U.S. National Weather Service)