Aviation weather reference for pilots
A weather briefing is more than a METAR or a colored category on a map. Observations describe recent or current conditions; forecasts describe expected conditions and timing; advisories and charts add hazards and context. Read each product for what it represents, note its valid time, and compare conditions along the route and at the times that matter.
Read an observation, then check the trend
A METAR reports a station observation in a standard sequence that can include wind, visibility, present weather, sky condition, temperature and altimeter setting. A single report is a snapshot. Compare subsequent reports and nearby stations to see whether a boundary, ceiling, wind shift, or precipitation area is changing. The METAR decoder explains report groups; the METAR and TAF guide describes how observations and forecasts relate.
Ceiling, visibility, and flight categories
In U.S. aviation weather, ceiling is based on the lowest broken or overcast layer, or vertical visibility into an obscuration. Visibility is a separate observation. Common flight-category bands use ceiling and visibility thresholds, but a category is a summary, not a clearance or a personal-minimum decision. Terrain, lighting, precipitation, icing, turbulence, and the pilot's qualification and aircraft capability all matter. See ceiling and visibility and VFR, MVFR, IFR, and LIFR categories.
Wind: direction, gusts, and crosswind
METAR wind direction is reported relative to true north, while runway designators are based on magnetic direction rounded to the nearest ten degrees. A gust spread signals variation from the reported sustained wind. Compare the wind direction with the intended runway to estimate headwind and crosswind components, and review any applicable crosswind limitation or instructor guidance. The wind and gust guide and crosswind calculator help with the interpretation and arithmetic.
Forecast groups carry timing information
A TAF covers a stated validity period. Change groups such as FM, TEMPO, and PROB indicate different forecast timing and likelihood conventions. Read the valid period and UTC times carefully, especially when a forecast crosses midnight or changes near the planned arrival. A TAF is one input in a complete briefing; compare it with current observations and other applicable products. Review TAF change groups.
Temperature and performance
Temperature and dew point help describe moisture and potential for saturation, but a narrowing spread does not establish a cloud base or guarantee fog. For performance, high temperature and pressure altitude can raise density altitude and reduce climb capability. Use a cloud-base estimate only as a teaching relationship, and use approved aircraft charts for performance. See dew-point spread, cloud-base estimation, and density altitude.
Build a complete weather picture
For a planned flight, consult current official observations and forecasts along the route, relevant graphical products, NOTAMs, TFRs, and other required sources. Check product issue and valid times, hazards aloft, alternate conditions, and changes expected during the flight. Recheck close to departure and update the plan when conditions change. PilotDesk's weather page is a supplemental display and does not replace an appropriate official briefing.
For primary material, consult the FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, the current FAA Aeronautical Information Manual, and official Aviation Weather Center products.