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== TAF == | == TAF == | ||
In meteorology and aviation, TAF is a format for reporting weather forecast information, particularly as it relates to aviation. "TAF" is an acronym of Terminal Aerodrome Forecast or, in some countries, Terminal Area Forecast. Generally, TAF's can apply to a 9- or 12-hour forecast; some TAFs cover an 18- or 24-hour period; and as of November 5,2008, TAFs for some major airports cover 30 hours periods. The date/time group reflects the new 30 hour period in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), as always. | |||
[http:// | =TAF Code= | ||
This TAF example of a 30-hour TAF, released on November 5 2008 at 1730 UTC: | |||
<pre>TAF KXYZ 051730Z 0518/0624 31008KT | |||
3SM -SHRA BKN020 | |||
FM052300 30006KT 5SM -SHRA OVC030 | |||
PROB30 0604/0606 VRB20G35KT 1SM | |||
TSRA BKN015CB | |||
FM 060600 250010KT 4SM -SHRA OVC050 | |||
TEMPO 0608/0611 2SM -SHRA OVC030= | |||
RMK NXT FCST BY 00Z=</pre> | |||
The first line contains identification and validity times. | |||
*'''TAF''' indicates that the following is a terminal area forecast. | |||
*'''KXYZ''' indicates the airport to which the forecast applies (ICAO airport code). | |||
*'''051730Z''' indicates that the report was issued at 1730 UTC on the 5th of the month. | |||
*'''0518/0624''' indicates that the report is valid from 1800 UTC on the 5th until 2400 UTC on the following day. | |||
The remainder of the first line and the second line contain the initial forecast conditions. Variations of the codes used for various weather conditions are many. | |||
*'''31008KT''' indicates that the wind will be from 310 degrees at 8 knots. | |||
*'''3SM -SHRA BKN020''' indicates that visibility will be 3SM (statute miles) in light (-) showers (SH) of rain (RA), with a broken ceiling (at least 5/8 of the sky covered) at 2,000 feet. | |||
Each line beginning with '''FM''' starts a new forecast period. | |||
*'''FM052300''' indicates the next period lasts from (FM) 2300 UTC on the 5th to 0000 UTC on the 6th. | |||
The remainder of the line has similar formatting to the other forecast lines. | |||
The final line is for errata, comments, and remarks. | |||
*'''RMK NXT FCST BY 00Z''' indicates a remark that the next forecast will be issued by 0000 UTC. | |||
==External Links== | |||
* [http://aviationweather.gov/static/help/taf-decode.php Decoding a TAF] | |||
[[Category:FlightGear feature]] | [[Category:FlightGear feature]] | ||