What does METAR stand for?

METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report, which is a standardized format for reporting current weather conditions at an airport. The term 'aerodrome' refers to a defined area including any building, installation, or equipment that is used for the arrival, departure, or surface movement of aircraft. As such, a METAR provides essential information such as temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction, visibility, and significant weather phenomena, all of which are crucial for pilots during pre-flight planning and in-flight navigation.

Understanding METARs is vital for pilot safety and operational efficiency, as these reports are issued regularly—usually once an hour—and help pilots assess current weather conditions at their location and throughout their flight path. The other terms in the choices do not accurately reflect the established terminology used globally in aviation for weather reports.