Aviation Terminal Forecast (TAF)
The Aviation Terminal Forecast (TAF) is a concise statement of the expected meteorological conditions within a 5-statute-mile radius from the center of an airport's runway complex during a 24-hour time period.
The TAFs use the same weather code found in METAR weather reports.
Here is an example of an Aviation Terminal Forecast (TAF):
Let's look at it in detail:
This is the date and time period forecasted.
2000 UTC 22 July 2007 to 0600 UTC 23 July 2007
Winds from the ENE (60 degrees) at 12 MPH (10 knots; 5.2 m/s)
Visibility forecast of 6 miles (10 km).
Scattered clouds at 7000 feet AGL
Broken clouds at 20000 feet AGL
This area of the forecast is used to show changes and probability of a change.
FM0600 36005KT P6SM SCT120 BKN250
FROM 0600 to 1200 UTC 23 July 2007
Winds
from the N (360 degrees) at 6 MPH (5 knots; 2.6 m/s)
Visibility of 6 miles (10 km)
Ceiling 25000 feet AGL
Scattered clouds at 12000 feet AGL
Broken clouds at 25000 feet AGL
FM1200 03012KT P6SM OVC060
FROM 1200 to 1800 UTC 23 July 2007
Winds from the NNE (30 degrees) at 14 MPH (12 knots; 6.2 m/s)
Visibility of 6 miles (10 km)
Ceiling 6000 feet AGL
Aviation Terminal Forecast (TAF)
