What information does a METAR provide?

• A. A forecast for the next 24 hours.
• B. Air traffic control communication procedures.
• C. Current surface weather observation including wind, visibility, sky condition, weather phenomena, temperature, dew point, and altimeter.
• D. PIREPs and turbulence.

Answer: (C)

METAR is a current surface weather observation for aviation. It provides real-time data about the atmosphere at an airport, not a forecast. The report includes wind direction and speed, visibility, sky condition with cloud amount and base height, present weather phenomena (like rain, snow, fog), temperature and dew point, and the altimeter setting. This combination lets pilots assess takeoff and landing conditions, runway visibility, and aircraft performance. A forecast for the next 24 hours would be a TAF, not a METAR. PIREPs and turbulence are separate pilot reports, and air traffic control procedures are not part of a METAR.