What is the primary purpose of a METAR report?

• A. To provide forecasts for upcoming weather conditions
• B. To give detailed reports on past weather events
• C. To provide current weather conditions at an airport or weather station
• D. To assess climate changes over a period

Answer: (C)

The primary purpose of a METAR report is to provide current weather conditions at an airport or weather station. METAR reports are generated at regular intervals, typically every hour, and convey essential information such as temperature, wind speed and direction, visibility, precipitation, and cloud cover. This real-time data is crucial for pilots, air traffic controllers, and meteorologists as it helps them assess the current weather environment for flight operations.

In contrast, forecasts for upcoming weather conditions, detailed reports on past weather events, and assessments of climate changes are provided by other types of reports and data sources. Forecasts use predictive models and analyses to estimate future weather patterns, whereas climate assessments typically involve long-term data analysis rather than immediate weather updates. Therefore, the METAR report's focus on current weather conditions makes it an essential tool in aviation operations.