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METAR Plain-English Decoder

Paste any raw METAR and get an instant plain-English translation — flight category, token-by-token breakdown, and go/no-go guidance for student pilots.

Paste your METAR here

From aviationweather.gov, ForeFlight, or any weather source

METAR weather report decoded

Common METAR codes quick reference

Sky coverage
SKC = clear · FEW = 1–2 oktas · SCT = 3–4 oktas · BKN = 5–7 oktas · OVC = 8 oktas (overcast)
Precipitation
RA = rain · SN = snow · DZ = drizzle · GR = hail · TS = thunderstorm · SH = showers
Intensity
- (minus) = light · (no prefix) = moderate · + (plus) = heavy · VC = in the vicinity
Obstructions
BR = mist · FG = fog · HZ = haze · FU = smoke · DU = dust · SA = sand · VA = volcanic ash
Wind
DDDSS or DDDSSGSSG — direction (°), speed (kt), G = gusts. VRB = variable. 00000KT = calm.
Remarks (RMK)
AO1 = no precip discriminator · AO2 = with discriminator · PK WND = peak wind · TSNO = no TS sensor
Altimeter
A#### = altimeter in inHg (A2992 = 29.92 inHg) · Q#### = QNH in hPa (Q1013 = 1013 hPa)
Visibility
In SM (statute miles) in US reports. M = less than (M1/4SM = less than ¼ mile). CAVOK = ceiling and vis OK (international).