Weather
METARs, TAFs, and winds aloft, decoded into plain language.
Decoders for METARs, TAFs, and FB winds and temperatures aloft, turning the coded text into plain language with each group explained. Pilots use them during preflight briefings and to check a report they are not sure how to read. Start with the METAR decoder, then carry its wind, temperature, and altimeter setting into the wind and altimetry tools. Remember that winds in METARs, TAFs, and forecasts aloft are from true north, while ATIS and tower winds are magnetic.
Planning and education aid. Not for primary navigation. Full disclaimer
I want to read a METAR or TAF
- METAR decoder
Turns a pasted METAR or SPECI into plain language: wind (true), visibility, weather, clouds and ceiling, temperature, altimeter, US remarks, and the flight category. Groups it cannot read are listed, never dropped.
- TAF decoder
Turns a pasted TAF into a timeline of forecast periods (FM, TEMPO, BECMG, PROB30/40) in plain language, with UTC and local times, winds (true), visibility, weather, clouds and ceilings, and flight categories.
I want to read a winds aloft forecast
- Winds aloft (FB) decoder
Decodes FB winds and temperatures aloft: one group at a level, or a whole station line, with light-and-variable winds, speeds over 100 kt, and the implied minus sign above 24,000 ft.
Guides that use these tools
- VFR preflight: From the latest METAR to pressure altitude, density altitude, and the crosswind on your runway.
- IFR approach brief: The weather, the holding speed, the entry, the wind-corrected hold, and the visual descent point.