How does a TAF differ from a METAR?

• A. A METAR is an observed weather report; a TAF is a forecast covering a 24–30 hour period for planning.
• B. A METAR is a forecast; a TAF is an observed weather report.
• C. METAR reports only wind; TAF reports only visibility.
• D. METAR and TAF are interchangeable.

Answer: (A)

Think of it in terms of observation versus prediction. A METAR is the current, observed weather report for an airport—it tells you what the weather is right now (or very recently): wind direction and speed, visibility, present weather and obscuration, cloud amount and base height, temperature and dew point, and the altimeter setting. It’s issued regularly to reflect the latest conditions and is used for immediate operations.

A TAF, on the other hand, is a forecast for planning purposes. It covers roughly a 24–30 hour window and predicts how conditions will evolve, including when changes are expected. This helps pilots and controllers anticipate takeoffs, landings, and routing decisions. It may also indicate periods of notable change (tempo or probability groups) to prepare for potential degradation or improvement.

So the statement aligns with how these two reports function: METAR is an observed weather report; TAF is a forecast for planning over the next day. The other options mix up observation and forecast, oversimplify what METAR or TAF contain, or imply they’re interchangeable, which they are not.