AviationWeather Plugin

METAR is a format for reporting weather information. A METAR weather report is predominantly used by pilots in fulfillment of a part of a pre-flight weather briefing, and by meteorologists, who use aggregated METAR information to assist in weather forecasting. RAW METAR is the most popular format in the world for the transmission of weather data. It is highly standardized through International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which allows it to be understood throughout most of the world.

In meteorology and aviation, TAF is a format for reporting weather forecast information, particularly as it relates to aviation. “TAF” is an acronym of terminal aerodrome forecast or, in some countries, terminal area forecast. TAFs apply to approximately five statute miles (about 4.3 nautical mails or 8km) radius from the center of the airport runway complex. Generally, TAFs apply to a 24-hour period; and, as of November 5, 2008, TAFs for many major airports cover 30-hour periods. The date/time group reflects the new 24 or 30 hour period in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), as always.