EDIT: I don't know if it's just me, but this one seems longer? http://flightaware.com/live/airport/KJFK (http://flightaware.com/live/airport/KJFK)
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: Fabo on July 14, 2008, 04:22:27 PM
METAR - we know
KJFK - JFK International, NYC, NY
141551Z - 14th of respective month, issued at 15 51Z
23010KT - wind 230 degrees 10 knots
10SM - visibility 10 statute miles or better
FEW055 - few clouds at 5500ft AGL
BKN120 - broken clouds at 12 000 AGL
BKN250 - broken clouds at 25 000
24/16 - temperature 24 degrees, dewpoint 16, now cause this is JFK I think Fahrenheit (?)
A2987 - altimeter 29.87, roughly equivalent to Q1011.5 hPa
RMK - remarks
AO2 - METAR message is autogenerated, has precip sensors and is observed by real operator
SLP116 - sea level pressure in dunno
T02390161 - hourly temperature and dewpoint - 0 means 0C+, then 239 means 23.9°C, same for dewpoint
PS: this might help if you cant decipher ;) http://weather.cod.edu/notes/metar.html
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: G-man on July 14, 2008, 04:53:42 PM
OK--I'll buy a beer for anyone who can translate the portion of this TAF that is in red AND explain for who and why that information is presented. ::drinking:: ::drinking::
On hpa just add a nine or ten to the front, whichever brings the number closest 1000.
Yep---thats what comes with not paying attention-- ::drinking:: ::drinking::
Still not takers on the SUU TAF though--c'mon..at least guess..Airscoop??
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: AirScorp on July 15, 2008, 02:51:29 AM
Ok I'll give it a shot:
What I knew: T32/23Z means surface Temperature is predicted to be 32 degrees at(/) 23:00 Zulu time
What I found out: It's for the air force guys. Seems that the only airports that have this code group are military airports, at least in the US.
What I don't know: Why they put the surface temp in the end of the TAF in that format instead of also giving temp and dewpoint information on every line like the METAR. That would make more sense. Except if they list the max and minimum temp forecasted for the day, but I think the code for max temp should be something like TX32/23Z.
Hehe, the internet is a great thing |:)\ So, why is it there G-man?
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: G-man on July 15, 2008, 05:39:44 AM
Ok I'll give it a shot: What I found out: It's for the air force guys. Seems that the only airports that have this code group are military airports, at least in the US. So, why is it there G-man?
Pretty good--I'll buy you a beer.
It is the forecasted highest and lowest temperature for the next 24 hours... It is only on "MAC" bases--(Military Air Command), they use it for planning the best time to take off for the most efficient flight.
T32/23Z T15/13Z Highest temp of 32 C will occur @ 2300Z and lowest temp of 15 C will occur @ 1300Z.
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: TheSoccerMom on July 15, 2008, 05:42:53 AM
Whoaaa, cool.....
Never would have guessed it! And here I thought it was what hours the airport bar was open.... ::whistle::
"23Z until 13Z"...... ::silly::
:D
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: G-man on July 15, 2008, 05:43:49 AM
Some are easier than others... the phrase I was searching for and couldn't find was ACSL... context:
"ACSL DIST NE-SW"
I've only seen it at a handful of airports, not too common.
Mmmmm.. Guys here tell me it stands for AltoCumulus Standing Lenticular. Maybe there was a mountain peak round those airports?
Nick, your buddies are correct. ACSL is what Wx reporting systems use to describe the phenomenon known as a Mountain Wave. This is generally associated with strong winds blowing across mountain ranges that sets up the Lenticular clouds. This is a soaring pilots delight as they can stay up for long periods in the updraft portions of a mountain wave. However, the mountain wave is also associated with severe to extreme turbulence and MUST be treated with enormous caution and respect by all pilots. This one can be a killer if you get caught in the rotor cloud that sometimes forms in the lee of the mountain range, or if you try to cross the range going into the wind and get caught in a downdraft you cannot climb out of.
ACSL formations are always unique and often are eerily looking. I love seeing pics of them, but I do not enjoy seeing the underside of them from a cockpit. |:)\
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: AirScorp on August 03, 2008, 02:58:21 PM
Great description R/C! ::bow:: Seen it a couple of times too! We have just the right ingredients on a mountain peak just opposite my city!
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: TheSoccerMom on August 04, 2008, 06:03:56 PM
That's a pretty common one to see in the mountains...
that is, if you check the weather.... HAAAAAAAAAAAA.
::eek::
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: Baradium on August 04, 2008, 06:45:30 PM
Used to see them on a regular basis flying over the Alaska Range between fairbanks and Anchorage.
Interestingly enough... I fly into a lot more higher altitude airports now than I did up north....
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: chuckar101 on August 05, 2008, 04:00:57 AM
What there's weather reports, I though you just took off and hoped for the best. ::whistle:: ::whistle:: Oh sorry thats just freight dogs, we are a bit different.
Title: Re: How to Read METAR
Post by: TheSoccerMom on August 05, 2008, 06:51:21 PM
