What is a METAR? ​

METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is a standardized weather observation format used at airports worldwide. Issued every hour (sometimes every 30 minutes at busy airports), it tells pilots and controllers the current conditions.

Reading a METAR ​

KATL 301853Z 27012G18KT 10SM FEW250 28/14 A3002

• KATL - airport (Atlanta)
• 301853Z - day 30, time 18:53 UTC
• 27012G18KT - wind from 270 degrees at 12 knots, gusting 18
• 10SM - visibility 10 statute miles
• FEW250 - few clouds at 25,000ft
• 28/14 - temperature 28C, dewpoint 14C
• A3002 - altimeter setting 30.02 inHg

Try reading one ​

Here's a more complex METAR from Chicago O'Hare. Hover over any token for a hint, then check your understanding.

Why controllers care ​

Wind determines which runways to use. Aircraft land and take off into the wind. A METAR showing 27012KT means runway 27 is the preferred runway. If wind shifts to 09015KT, the airport switches to runway 09.

Visibility and ceiling determine whether IFR or VFR procedures are in effect, affecting separation minimums and approach types available.

In radarcontrol.io ​

Every airport has live METAR data fetched from aviation weather services. The wind data automatically determines runway selection. Major airports also receive live ATIS broadcasts. The weather panel shows decoded METAR with flight category (VFR/IFR).

Weather system guide | Play Atlanta Tower