What is the purpose of a METAR report?

A METAR report serves the essential function of providing current weather conditions at an airport. These reports are generated at regular intervals, typically every hour, and include valuable information such as temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, visibility, and significant weather phenomena. Pilots rely on METAR reports to make informed decisions about flight operations and to ensure safety during takeoff and landing.

The detailed data in a METAR report is crucial for understanding the immediate weather circumstances that could affect a flight, rather than predicting future conditions. This focus on current conditions differentiates the METAR from other types of reports or forecasts, which might address future weather trends or maintenance issues.