What does the acronym 'METAR' stand for?

The acronym 'METAR' stands for a Routine weather report at an airport. METAR reports provide vital information about current weather conditions, including temperature, wind speed and direction, visibility, and cloud cover. These reports are generated at regular intervals, typically every hour, and are crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers as they help assess weather conditions for flight operations.

Real-time, accurate weather information is essential for safe aviation operations, and METARs form a standard part of pre-flight planning. They are an important tool in aviation, allowing for informed decision-making based on the latest weather data available at an airport.