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Updated: Apr 10



Whether you're just starting out in aviation or preparing for your Part 107 drone certification, understanding how to read a METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is critical. METARs provide real-time weather conditions at an airport, and learning how to decode one is like learning to read a weather report in shorthand.


Let’s dig into it and break it down step-by-step.


What is a METAR?


A METAR is a standardized weather report issued hourly at airports and weather stations. It includes key details like wind speed and direction, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, dew point, altimeter setting, and special weather events.


Here is our example of a METAR:


METAR KDFW 091653Z 18012G20KT 10SM FEW020 SCT050 BKN100 28/17 A2992 RMK AO2 SLP134

We'll decode this one completely.


Step-by-Step Breakdown


1. Report Type: METAR or SPECI

  • METAR – Routine weather report, issued at the top of every hour.

  • SPECI – A special report due to significant weather changes.

Our METAR: METAR – This is a routine observation.

2. Station Identifier: KDFW

  • ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) airport code.

  • The K means it's in the continental U.S.

  • DFW is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Easy tip: Use aviationweather.gov/metar to look up any ICAO code.

3. Date & Time: 091653Z

  • First two digits: Day of the month – 09

  • Next four: Time in Zulu (UTC) – 1653 = 16:53 Zulu (or 11:53 AM Central Daylight Time)

  • Z = Zulu time (UTC)

Translation: This METAR was issued on the 9th at 11:53 AM CDT.

4. Wind: 18012G20KT

  • 180 = Wind is from 180° (south)

  • 12 = Sustained wind speed of 12 knots

  • G20 = Gusts up to 20 knots

  • KT = Knots

Translation: Wind is from the south at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

5. Visibility: 10SM

  • 10SM = 10 statute miles visibility

  • If less than 1SM, you’ll see fractions like 3/4SM.

Translation: Visibility is 10 miles – excellent.

6. Weather Phenomena: [None in this report]

Common codes here include:

  • RA = Rain

  • SN = Snow

  • TS = Thunderstorm

  • BR = Mist

  • FG = Fog

  • + = Heavy

  • - = Light

Example: -RA = Light rain, +TSRA = Heavy thunderstorm with rain
Note: Our METAR has no precipitation or obstruction to visibility.

7. Sky Condition: FEW020 SCT050 BKN100

This gives cloud coverage and altitude (in hundreds of feet AGL – above ground level):

  • FEW020 = Few clouds at 2,000 ft

  • SCT050 = Scattered clouds at 5,000 ft

  • BKN100 = Broken clouds at 10,000 ft


Cloud coverage codes:

  • FEW = 1–2 oktas (few)

  • SCT = 3–4 oktas (scattered)

  • BKN = 5–7 oktas (broken)

  • OVC = 8 oktas (overcast)

  • CLR or SKC = Clear skies

Translation: A few clouds at 2,000 ft, scattered at 5,000 ft, broken at 10,000 ft.

8. Temperature and Dew Point: 28/17

  • 28 = Temperature in °C (convert to °F: 28°C ≈ 82°F)

  • 17 = Dew point in °C (17°C ≈ 63°F)

Translation: It’s about 82°F with a dew point of 63°F—moderate humidity.

9. Altimeter Setting: A2992

  • Altimeter pressure setting in inches of mercury (inHg)

  • A2992 = 29.92 inHg (standard sea-level pressure)

This is used by pilots to calibrate their altimeters for accurate altitude readings.

10. Remarks: RMK AO2 SLP134

The remarks section gives extra info:

  • AO2 = Automated station with a precipitation sensor

  • SLP134 = Sea-level pressure (1013.4 mb, drop the leading 10 or 9 depending on value)


For new students, you can usually skip the remarks unless you're going deeper into meteorology.

Pro Tips for Students

  1. Always start from the left and decode linearly.

  2. Write out each part until it becomes second nature.

  3. Use cheat sheets or flashcards to memorize the codes.

  4. Practice with real METARs using sites like:

Final Translation of our above METAR

"At Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), on the 9th at 11:53 AM CDT, the wind is from the south at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Visibility is 10 statute miles. There are a few clouds at 2,000 feet, scattered clouds at 5,000 feet, and broken clouds at 10,000 feet. The temperature is 82°F with a dew point of 63°F. The altimeter setting is 29.92 inHg. The report is from an automated station with a precipitation sensor."

In Summary

Reading a METAR might seem overwhelming at first—but like anything in aviation, repetition builds confidence. Once you learn the patterns and codes, you’ll start to understand the weather picture in just seconds. And that’s essential knowledge for any pilot, drone operator, or weather nerd alike.


Good luck with your studies and happy flying!



Michael Hill is the Founder / CEO of Uncrewed Aerospace, an award-winning Drone Technology Company, that helps clients integrate Uncrewed Technology & Ai on the land, in the air, and at sea. Follow our work at www.uncrewedaerospace.com #TheDronePro


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