What does VCTS mean in TAF?
VCTS indicates a thunderstorm (TS) in the vicinity (VC), which means from 5–10 mi (8–16 km). SN indicates snow is falling at a moderate intensity; a preceding plus or minus sign (+/-) indicates heavy or light precipitation.
What is SKC in a TAF?
SKC – Sky Clear. TCU – Towering Cumulus. Other: A01 – Automated Observation without precipitation discrimination. A02 – Automated Observation with precipitation discrimination.
What is PROB40 in TAF?
The PROB40 group is used when the occurrence of thunderstorms or precipitation is in the 30% to less than 50% range, thus the probability value 40 is appended to the PROB contraction.
How do you read Metars and TAF?
How to read a METAR weather report
- Type of report (METAR)
- Station identifier (KLAX)
- Date and time of report (180845Z)
- Wind speed and direction (19004G10KT)
- Visibility (10SM)
- Present weather (SHRA)
- Clouds (FEW018 SCT028 OVC040)
- Temperature and dew point (18/02)
Are Metars in AGL or MSL?
You have it right. TAF’s and METAR’s are always AGL. Area Forecasts (FA) are always MSL unless the height is specifically tagged AGL or CIG (for “ceiling”). It may seem annoying that FA’s are MSL, but they cover large areas where the terrain may vary but the clould bases are usually at a constant height MSL.
What is PROB30?
The probability group, PROB30, is used to forecast a low probability (30% chance) of a thunderstorm or precipitation event and its associated weather and/or obscuration elements. Format: The contraction, PROB30 is followed by a space, then eight (8) digits.
What does 9999 mean on winds aloft?
When the term “light and variable” is used in reference to a winds aloft forecast, the coded group and wind speed is. A. 9999 and less than 10 knots. B. 9900 and less than five knots.