How to read a METAR
A METAR is a coded aviation weather observation. The report normally identifies the reporting station and observation time first, followed by groups for wind, visibility, weather, cloud layers, temperature and dew point, and altimeter setting. A RMK group begins supplemental remarks.
Wind
A group such as 19010G18KT means wind from 190 degrees true at 10 knots with gusts to 18 knots. VRB06KT means the direction is variable at 6 knots. Reported surface wind is not the same thing as an enroute wind forecast.
Visibility and ceilings
U.S. METAR visibility is commonly reported in statute miles. Cloud groups use cover abbreviations such as FEW, SCT, BKN, and OVC followed by a height in hundreds of feet AGL. Broken, overcast, and vertical-visibility layers can establish a reported ceiling.
Temperature, dew point, and altimeter
A group such as 22/12 reports temperature 22°C and dew point 12°C. A leading M means below zero. A U.S. altimeter group such as A2989 means 29.89 inHg.
Weather abbreviations
Common groups include RA for rain, SN for snow, BR for mist, FG for fog, TS for thunderstorm, SH for showers, and FZ for freezing. A leading plus or minus indicates heavy or light intensity for applicable phenomena.
Use the coded report, not just the decoder
The original METAR stays visible beside the explanation. For flight planning, confirm the current report time, review the full weather picture and forecasts, and use official briefing sources as required.