Which statement about METAR reports is true?

• A. METAR reports are forecasts for the next 6 hours.
• B. METAR reports provide weather information directly to ATC only.
• C. METAR reports provide real-time weather observations.
• D. METAR reports provide NOTAM data.

Answer: (D)

METAR reports provide real-time weather observations. They describe current conditions at an airport as observed by sensors or an observer, not predictions. You’ll see details like wind direction and speed, visibility, any weather in the vicinity (rain, snow, fog, etc.), cloud cover and ceiling, temperature and dew point, and the altimeter setting. METARs are issued regularly (usually hourly) and updated sooner if significant changes occur. For forecasts of the next several hours you’d use a TAF, not a METAR. NOTAM data, meanwhile, are separate notices about airport or airspace operations and aren’t part of METARs.