Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) OH LE LE/NRN 1/2 OH...BKN030 OVC060 TOP FL220. SCT TSRA POSS SEV. CB TOP FL450. OTLK...MVFR CIG TSRA.
SWRN 1/4 OH...SCT040 BKN100 TOP FL220. SCT TSRA POSS SEV. CB TOP FL450. 03Z BKN060. WDLY SCT TSRA. OTLK...MVFR CIG TSRA.
SERN 1/4 OH...SCT050 BKN100 TOP FL220. OCNL BKN050 IN WDLY SCT TSRA.
TS POSS SEV. CB TOP FL400. 03Z BKN060. OTLK...VFR.
.
WV W WV PNHDL-NWRN...SCT100.. 19Z BKN060 TOP FL220. TIL 03Z SCT SHRA/WDLY SCT TSRA. CB TOP FL450. OTLK...VFR.
SW...SCT080. AFT 20Z ISOL TSRA. CB TOP FL400. 01Z SCT100 SCT CI. OTLK...VFR.
SERN WV...SCT070. 01Z SKC. OTLK...VFR BECMG 09Z IFR BR.
RMNDR...SCT080. 20Z SCT080 BKN100 TOP FL220. ISOL TSRA. CB TOP FL400. 03Z SCT-BKN CI. OTLK...VFR BECMG 09Z IFR BR.
.
MD DC DE VA NRN 1/2 APLCNS...SCT080. 20Z SCT080 BKN100 TOP FL220. ISOL TSRA.
CB TOP FL400. 03Z SCT-BKN CI. OTLK...VFR BECMG 09Z IFR BR.
SRN 1/2 APLCNS...SCT070. 01Z SKC. OTLK...VFR BECMG 09Z IFR HZ BR.
SERN VA CSTL SXNS...SCT040. 04Z SCT-BKN100 TOP FL250. OTLK...VFR.
DC/DE/RMNDR MD/RMNDR VA...SCT040. 00Z SKC OR SCT CI. OTLK...VFR.
.
CSTL WTRS ME/NH...SCT040 BKN100 TOP FL250. WDLY SCT SHRA/TSRA DVLPG 20-22Z.
CB TOP FL400. OTLK...VFR SHRA.
RMNDR N OF ACK...SKC. BECMG 2123 SCT040 BKN100 TOP FL250. WDLY SCT SHRA/TSRA. CB TOP FL400. OTLK...VFR SHRA.
S OF 30NE ORF-150SE SIE LN...SCT040 SCT CI. 03Z SCT-BKN100 TOP FL250. OTLK...VFR.
RMNDR...SCT060. 00Z SKC OR SCT CI. OTLK...VFR.
....
7.1.6.1.2 Area Forecast – SFO (FA) Example
FAUS46 KKCI 210245 (ICAO product header) FA6W (NWS AWIPS Communication header) SFOC FA 210245 (Area forecast region, product type, issuance date/time)
SYNOPSIS AND VFR CLDS/WX SYNOPSIS VALID UNTIL 212100 CLDS/WX VALID UNTIL 211500...OTLK VALID 211500-212100
WA OR CA AND CSTL WTRS .
SEE AIRMET SIERRA FOR IFR CONDS AND MTN OBSCN.
TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND IFR CONDS.
NON MSL HGTS DENOTED BY AGL OR CIG.
.
SYNOPSIS...SFC...03Z OCFNT SE AB-LOW PRES SCNTRL MT-NCNTRL UT- BTY-SRN CA. TROF SRN NV-SW AZ. TROF NERN PTNS WA CSTL WTRS-WRN AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-10
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) PTNS OR CSTL WTRS. HI PRES RDG ECNTRL OR-NRN CA CSTL WTRS. 21Z CDFNT NERN MT-SERN WY-SRN CA. HI PRES RDG NCNTRL MT-SW OR. TROF NCNTRL CA-NR 60E SAC-SRN SIERNEV. ALF...03Z UPR LVL TROF NCNTRL WA-CNTRL CA. NWLY JTST OR CSTL WTRS-NW CA CSTLN. 21Z UPR LVL TROF SW BC-SW UT-SW AZ. NWLY JTST WRN WA-NERN CA-SERN CA-WRN AZ.
.
WA CASCDS WWD CSTL...BKN015-025 OVC060 TOP 140. WDLY SCT -SHRA. 10Z OVC015 TOP
100. OTLK...MVFR CIG.
MTNS...OVC040-050 TOP FL180. VIS 3-5SM -RA/-SN ABV 040.
OTLK...IFR CIG SHSN SHRA BECMG MVFR CIG SHSN SHRA 19Z.
RMNDR...BKN035-045 TOP 150. 05Z BKN015-025 OVC050 TOP 160. WDLY SCT -SHRA. OTLK...MVFR CIG SHRA BECMG VFR 19Z.
.
WA E OF CASCDS CNTRL WA...SCT-BKN CI. BECMG 0709 BKN110 TOP 150. OTLK...VFR.
ERN WA...OVC050 TOP FL180. ISOL -SHRA. 04Z SCT090 SCT-BKN CI. 10Z BKN050 OVC100 TOP 120. ISOL -SHRA. OTLK...MVFR CIG BECMG VFR SHRA 19Z.
.
OR CASCDS WWD CSTL...BKN015-025 OVC060 TOP 140. WDLY SCT -SHRA. 10Z OVC015 TOP
100. OTLK...MVFR CIG.
NW INTR...BKN040 TOP 140. TIL 11Z WDLY SCT -SHRA. 12Z OVC025.
OTLK...MVFR CIG BECMG VFR SHRA 19Z.
N CASCDS...OVC040-050 TOP FL180. VIS 3-5SM -RA/-SN ABV 040.
OTLK...IFR CIG SHSN SHRA BECMG MVFR CIG SHSN SHRA 19Z.
SW INTR...SCT060. 12Z SCT-BKN040 BKN060 TOP 120. OTLK...VFR.
S CASCDS...SCT-BKN080 TOP 150. TIL 04Z ISOL -SHRA/-TSRA. CB TOP FL250. 05Z SCT090. OTLK...VFR.
.
OR E OF CASCDS NW...SCT CI. WND NW 20G30KT. 08Z SCT-BKN080 BKN110 TOP 150. WND WLY G25KT. OTLK...VFR.
SW...BKN080 TOP 150. TIL 04Z ISOL -SHRA/-TSRA. CB TOP FL250. 05Z SCT090. OTLK...VFR...20Z WND.
NERN...BKN060 TOP 160. WDLY SCT -SHRA. 06Z SCT100. 11Z BKN050 OVC100 TOP 120. ISOL -SHRA. OTLK...VFR SHRA.
SE...SCT-BKN090 OVC120 TOP FL250. WDLY SCT -SHRA/ISOL -TSRA. CB TOP FL260. WND W G25KT. 07Z BKN090 TOP 150. OTLK...VFR...16Z WND.
.
NRN CA...STS-SAC-TVL LN NWD CSTL SXNS N OF 40SSE FOT...BKN025 TOP 120. 09Z OVC010-020 TOP
100. OTLK...MVFR CIG BECMG VFR 18Z.
RMNDR CSTL SXNS...SKC. OTLK...VFR.
SHASTA-SISKIYOUS-NERN CA...SCT-BKN080 TOP 150. TIL 04Z ISOL -SHRA/-TSRA. CB TOP FL250. WND NW G25KT. 05Z SCT090. OTLK...VFR.
SAC VLY...SKC. TIL 06Z WND W G25KT. OTLK...VFR WND 16Z.
NRN SIERNEV...SCT100. ISOL -SHRA/-TSRA. CB TOP FL300. WND SW G25- 30KT. 09Z SCT120. OTLK...VFR.
.
CNTRL CA AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-11
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
CSTL SXNS CSTLN N OF SNS...OVC010-015 TOP 020. WND W G25KT. 07Z SKC.
OTLK...VFR.
CSTLN SNS SWD...OVC010-015 TOP 020. 08Z SCT010. 10Z SKC.
OTLK...VFR...16Z.
INLAND...SKC. TIL 09Z WND NW G25-30KT. OTLK...VFR WND 16Z.
SAN JOAQUIN VLY...SKC. WND NW 20G30KT. OCNL BLDU. OTLK...VFR WND.
SRN SIERNEV...SKC. WND W 25G35KT. OTLK...VFR WND.
.
SRN CA...VBG-NID-60NNW BIH LN SWD
CSTL SXNS CSTLN N OF LAX...SCT015. 10Z OVC015 TOP 025. 14Z SCT015.
OTLK...VFR...18Z WND.
CSTLN LAX SWD...OVC015-025 TOP 030. OTLK...VFR.
INLAND N OF LAX...SKC. OTLK...VFR.
INLAND LAX SWD...SKC. 07Z OVC010 TOP 030. VIS 3SM BR. OTLK...MVFR CIG HZ BECMG 20Z VFR WND.
COLORADO RIVER VLY...SKC. WND SW G25KT. OTLK...VFR WND BECMG 18Z MVFR BLDU BLSA WND.
INTR MTNS-DESERTS...SKC. WND NW 25G30-35KT. OCNL BLDU. OTLK...VFR WND.
.
CSTL WTRS WA/OR/NRN CA...BKN015-025 OVC060 TOP 140. WDLY SCT -SHRA. WND NW G25KT. 10Z OVC015 TOP 100. OTLK...MVFR CIG.
CNTRL-SRN CA...SCT-BKN015 TOP 025. OCNL VIS 3-5SM BR. WND NW 20G30- 40KT. OTLK...VFR WND CNTRL CA...MVFR CIG WND SRN CA.
....
7.1.7 Area Forecast Format – Gulf of Mexico (FAGX) Area Forecasts issued for the Gulf of Mexico (FAGX) cover the airspace between the surface and 45,000 feet AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level) and include the following elements with each geographical section having an entry even if it is negative.
• Synopsis: This is a brief discussion of the significant synoptic weather affecting the FAGX area during the entire 24-hour valid period.
• Significant Clouds and Weather: This is a description of the significant clouds and weather for the first 12-hours including the following elements.
o Cloud amount (SCT, BKN or OVC) for clouds with bases below FL180 o Cloud bases and tops associated with the above bullet o Precipitation and thunderstorms o Visibility below 7 SM and obstruction(s) to visibility o Sustained surface winds greater than or equal to 20 knots o 12- to 24-hour categorical outlook (LIFR, IFR, MVFR or VFR)
• Icing and Freezing Level: Moderate or severe icing and freezing level. For the coastal waters portion of the FAGX, users will be referred to the appropriate CONUS AIRMET.
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-12
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
• Turbulence: Moderate or greater turbulence. For the coastal waters portion of the FAGX, users will be referred to the appropriate CONUS AIRMET.
7.1.7.1 Area Forecast – Gulf of Mexico (FAGX) Example
FAGX20 KKCI 091812 (ICAO product header) OFAGX (NWS AWIPS Communication header) SYNOPSIS VALID TIL 101900Z FCST...091900Z-100700Z OTLK...100700Z-101900Z
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS BRANCH
AVIATION WEATHER CENTER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI .
CSTL WATERS FROM COASTLINE OUT TO HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR AND GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR AND W OF 85W. HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR AND GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR.
.
TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND IFR CONDS. HGTS MSL.
.
01 SYNOPSIS...HIGH PRES OVR NRN GLFMEX.
.
02 SIGNIFICANT CLD/WX...
.
CSTL WATERS...
SCT020. OTLK...VFR.
.
HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR… SCT020. OTLK...VFR.
.
GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR...
SCT020. OTLK...VFR.
.
03 ICE AND FRZLVL...
CSTL WATERS…SEE AIRMETS ZULU WAUS44 KKCI AND WAUS42 KKCI.
HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR… NO SGFNT ICE EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR…NO SGFNT ICE EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
FRZLVL…140 THRUT.
.
04 TURB...
CSTL WATERS…SEE AIRMETS TANGO WAUS44 KKCI AND WAUS42 KKCI.
HOUSTON OCEANIC FIR… NO SGFNT TURB EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
GLFMEX MIAMI OCEANIC FIR…NO SGFNT TURB EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
7.1.8 Area Forecast Format – Caribbean (FACA) Area forecasts issued for the Caribbean (FACA) cover the airspace between the surface and 24,000 feet AMSL and include the following elements. Each geographical section will have an entry even if it is negative.
• Synopsis: brief discussion of the synoptic weather affecting the FACA area during the 24-hour valid period.
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-13
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
• Significant Clouds and Weather: description of the significant clouds and weather for the first 12 hours including the following elements.
o Cloud amount (SCT, BKN or OVC) for cloud bases below FL180 o Cloud bases and tops associated with the above bullet o Precipitation and thunderstorms o Visibility below 7 SM and obstruction(s) to visibility o Sustained surface winds greater than or equal to 20 knots o 12- to 24-hour categorical outlook (IFR, MVFR or VFR)
• Icing and Freezing Level: moderate or greater icing and freezing level
• Turbulence: moderate or greater turbulence
7.1.8.1 Area Forecast – Caribbean (FACA) Example
FACA20 KKCI 121530 (ICAO product header) OFAMKC (NWS AWIPS Communication header)
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS BRANCH
AVIATION WEATHER CENTER KANSAS CITY MISSOURI VALID 121600-130400 OUTLOOK...130400-131600 .
ATLANTIC S OF 32N W OF 57W...CARIBBEAN...GULF OF MEXICO BTN 22N AND 24N.
.
TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND IFR CONDS. SFC TO 400 MB.
.
SYNOPSIS...WK CDFNT EXTDS FM NR 28N60W TO 23N63W TO THE MONA PASSAGE. CDFNT WL MOV EWD AND WKN TODAY. EXP NARROW BAND OF CLDS WITH ISOL SHRA INVOF CDFNT.
.
SIGNIFICANT CLD/WX...
ERN MONTERREY FIR...NRN MERIDA FIR SCT025 SCT060. OTLK...VFR.
.
ATLC SWRN NEW YORK FIR...SAN JUAN FIR NW OF CDFNT...SCT025 SCT060. LYR OCNL BKN. TOP 120. ISOL SHRA.
OTLK...VFR.
VCNTY CDFNT...SCT025 BKN060. OCNL BKN025. TOP 120. WDLY SCT SHRA. ISOL TSRA TIL 20Z. OTLK...VFR SHRA.
SE OF CDFNT...SCT025 SCT060. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
ATLC MIAMI FIR SCT025 SCT060. LYR OCNL BKN. TOP 120. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
WRN PIARCO FIR...NRN MAIQUETIA FIR...CURACAO FIR BTN 61W-63W...SCT025 BKN060. OCNL BKN025. TOP 120. WDLY SCT SHRA. OTLK...VFR SHRA.
RMNDR...SCT025 SCT060. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-14
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) SANTO DOMINGO FIR...PORT-AU-PRINCE FIR SCT025 SCT060. LYR OCNL BKN. TOP 120. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
NRN BARRANQUILLA FIR...NRN PANAMA FIR SCT025 SCT060. ISOL SHRA. SFC WND NE 20-25KT. OTLK...VFR.
.
KINGSTON FIR...NERN CNTRL AMERICAN FIR...HABANA FIR SCT025 SCT060. ISOL SHRA. OTLK...VFR.
.
ICE AND FRZLVL...
NO SGFNT ICE EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
FRZLVL... 145-170.
.
TURB...
NO SGFNT TURB EXP OUTSIDE CNVTV ACT.
7.1.9 Area Forecast Format - Hawaii Area forecasts issued for Hawaii cover the airspace between the surface and 45,000 feet AMSL and include the following elements.
• Synopsis: brief discussion of the significant synoptic weather affecting the FA area during the 18-hour valid period.
• Clouds and Weather: description of the clouds and weather for the first 12-hour period including the following elements.
o Cloud amount (SCT, BKN or OVC) with bases and tops o Visibilities of 6 SM or less with obstruction(s) to visibility o Precipitation and thunderstorms o Sustained surface winds 20 knots or greater
• 12- to 18-hour categorical outlook: IFR, marginal MVFR, or VFR, including expected precipitation and/or obstructions to visibility
7.1.9.1 Area Forecast – Hawaii Example
FAHW31 PHFO 080940 (ICAO product header) FA0HI (NWS AWIPS Communication header) .
HNLC FA 080940 (Area forecast region, product type, issuance date/time)
SYNOPSIS AND VFR CLD/WX SYNOPSIS VALID UNTIL 090400 CLD/WX VALID UNTIL 082200...OUTLOOK VALID 082200-090400 .
SEE AIRMET SIERRA FOR IFR CLD AND MT OBSC.
TS IMPLY SEV OR GREATER TURB SEV ICE LOW LEVEL WS AND IFR COND.
NON MSL HGT DENOTED BY AGL OR CIG.
.
SYNOPSIS...SFC HIGH FAR N PHNL NEARLY STNR.
.
BIG ISLAND ABOVE 060.
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-15
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) SKC. 20Z SCT090. OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
BIG ISLAND LOWER SLOPES...COAST AND ADJ WATERS FROM UPOLU POINT TO CAPE KUMUKAHI TO APUA POINT.
SCT030 BKN050 TOPS 080 ISOL BKN030 VIS 3-5SM -SHRA BR. 21Z SCT030 SCT- BKN050 TOPS 080 ISOL BKN030 5SM -SHRA. OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
BIG ISLAND LOWER SLOPES…COAST AND ADJ WATERS FROM APUA POINT TO SOUTH CAPE TO UPOLU POINT. SKC. 21Z SCT-BKN060 TOPS 080. 23Z SCT030 SCT- BKN060 TOPS 080 ISOL BKN030 -SHRA. OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
BIG ISLAND LOWER SLOPES…COAST AND ADJ WATERS FROM SOUTH CAPE TO PHKO TO UPOLU POINT.
SCT050 ISOL BKN050 TOPS 080. 18Z FEW050. 23Z SCT-BKN050 TOPS 080.
OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
N AND E FACING SLOPES...COAST AND ADJ WATERS OF THE REMAINING ISLANDS.
SCT020 BKN045 TOPS 070 TEMPO BKN020 VIS 3-5SM -SHRA...FM OAHU EASTWARD ISOL CIG BLW 010 AND VIS BLW 3SM SHRA BR WITH TOPS 120. 22Z SCT025 SCT-BKN050 TOPS 070 ISOL BKN025 3-5SM -SHRA. OUTLOOK...VFR.
.
REST OF AREA.
SCT035 SCT-BKN050 TOPS 070 ISOL BKN030 -SHRA. 20Z SCT050 ISOL SCT030 BKN045 TOPS 070 -SHRA. OUTLOOK...VFR.
7.1.10 Area Forecast Format - Alaska Area forecasts issued for Alaska cover the airspace between the surface and 45,000 feet AMSL and include the following elements. Clouds and weather, turbulence and icing information is included in each geographical zone.
• Synopsis: a brief description of the significant synoptic weather affecting the FA area during the first 18 hours of the forecast period.
• Clouds and Weather: a description of the clouds and weather for each geographical zone during the first 12 hours of the forecast period including the following elements:
o SIGMET information for thunderstorms and volcanic ash o AIRMET information for IFR ceiling and visibility, mountain obscuration, and strong surface winds o Cloud amount (SCT, BKN or OVC) with bases and tops o Visibilities of 6 SM or less with obstruction(s) to visibility o Precipitation and thunderstorms o Surface wind greater than 20 knots o Mountain pass conditions using categorical terms (for selected zones only) o 12- to 30-hour categorical outlook (VFR, MVFR, and IFR)
• Turbulence: a description of expected turbulence conditions including the following elements.
o SIGMET information for turbulence o AIRMET information for turbulence or low level wind shear AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-16
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) o Turbulence not meeting SIGMET or AIRMET criteria during the 6- to 12-hour period o If no significant turbulence is forecast, NIL SIG will be entered.
• Icing and freezing level: a description of expected icing conditions including the following elements.
o SIGMET information for icing o AIRMET information for icing and freezing precipitation o Icing not meeting SIGMET or AIRMET criteria during the 6- to 12-hour period o Freezing level o If no significant icing is forecast, NIL SIG will be entered followed by the freezing level.
7.1.10.1 Area Forecast – Alaska Example
FAAK48 PAWU 251345 (ICAO product header) FA8H (NWS AWIPS Communication header) ANCH FA 251345 (Area forecast region, product type, issuance date/time) AK SRN HLF EXC SE AK...
.
AIRMETS VALID UNTIL 252000 TS IMPLY POSSIBLE SEV OR GREATER TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND IFR CONDS.
NON MSL HEIGHTS NOTED BY AGL OR CIG.
.
SYNOPSIS VALID UNTIL 260800 972 MB BRISTOL BAY LOW WL MOV N TO 50 S PAOM AT 987 MB BY END OF PD.
ASSOCIATED OCCLUDED FRONT FM PALJ..KENNEDY ENTRANCE..SE WL MOV NE TO PAMH..PACV..SE BY 08Z.
.
COOK INLET AND SUSITNA VALLEY AB...VALID UNTIL 260200 ...CLOUDS/WX...
***AIRMET IFR/MT OBSC***AK RANGE/W SIDE COOK INLET..OCNL CIGS BLW 10 VIS BLW 3SM -RA BR. NC...
OTHERWISE..AK RANGE/W SIDE INLET..SCT005 OVC020 VIS 3-5SM -RA BR.
ELSEWHERE..SCT025 BKN045 OVC080 LYR ABV TO FL250. OCNL BKN025 OVC045 - RA.
COOK INLET..SFC WND NE 20G30 KTS. THRU TERRAIN GAPS..ERN MTS/AK RANGE..SFC WND E 30G60 KTS.
OTLK VALID 260200-262000...MVFR CIG RA WND.
PASSES...LAKE CLARK..MERRILL..RAINY..IFR CIG RA WND. WINDY..MVFR CIG RA. PORTAGE..IFR CIG RA WND.
...TURB...
***SIGMET***KILO 1 VALID 251607/252000 PANC- OCNL SEV TURB FCST BLW 080 WI AN AREA FM TKA-JOH-MDO-AKN-SQA-TKA.
THIS IS THE AREA S OF A PAHZ-PATK LN.
***AIRMET TURB/LLWS***OCNL MOD TURB BLW 120. LLWS. NC...
...ICE AND FZLVL...
***AIRMET ICE***OCNL MOD RIME/MX ICEIC 050-160. FZLVL 050. NC...
.
COPPER RIVER BASIN AC...VALID UNTIL 260200 AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-17
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) ...CLOUDS/WX...
FEW045 SCT090 BKN-OVC180 TOP FL250.
SFC WND SE G 25 KTS.
WRN MTS..ISOL BKN025 OVC045 4SM -SHRA.
OTLK VALID 260200-262000...VFR.
PASS...TAHNETA..MVFR CIG.
...TURB...
NIL SIG.
...ICE AND FZLVL...
NIL SIG. FZLVL 050.
.
CNTRL GLF CST AD...VALID UNTIL 260200 ...CLOUDS/WX...
***AIRMET MT OBSC***MTS OBSCD IN CLDS/PRECIPITATION. NC...
SCT020 OVC040 LYRD ABV TO FL250 -RA.
OCNL SCT005 OVC020 VIS 3-5SM -RA BR.
SFC WND E 20G35 KTS. THRU TRRN GAPS WND E-NE 25G50 KTS.
ALONG KENAI PENINSULA..ISOL CIGS BLW 10 VIS BLW 3SM RA BR.
OTLK VALID 260200-260200..MVFR CIG RA WND.
...TURB...
***SIGMET***KILO 1 VALID 251607/252000 PANC- OCNL SEV TURB FCST BLW 080 WI AN AREA FM TKA-JOH-MDO-AKN-SQA-TKA.
THIS IS THE AREA E OF A JOH-PAMD LN.
***AIRMET TURB/LLWS***OCNL MOD TURB BLW 120. LLWS NR TRRN. NC...
...ICE AND FZLVL...
***AIRMET ICE***OCNL MOD RIME ICEIC 050-160. FZLVL 050. NC...
.
KODIAK ISLAND AE...VALID UNTIL 260200 ...CLOUDS/WX...
***AIRMET MT OBSC***MTS OBSCD IN CLDS/PRECIPITATION. NC...
SCT020 OVC040 LYRD ABV TO FL250 -RA.
OCNL SCT005 OVC020 VIS 3-5SM -RA BR.
E SIDE..ISOL CIGS BLW 10 VIS BLW 3SM RA BR.
SFC WND SE G 25 KT.
OTLK VALID 260200-262000...MVFR CIG SHRA WND. AFT 06Z..VFR.
...TURB...
NIL SIG.
...ICE AND FZ LVL...
ISOL MOD RIME ICEIC 030-120. FZLVL 030.
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-18
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
7.2 Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is a concise statement of the expected meteorological conditions significant to aviation for a specified time period within five statute miles (SM) of the center of the airport’s runway complex (terminal). The TAFs use the same weather codes found in METAR weather reports (Section 2) and can be viewed on the National Weather Service (NWS) Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS) web site at:
http://adds.aviationweather.noaa.gov/tafs/.
7.2.1 Responsibility TAFs are issued by NWS Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs). A map of WFO areas of responsibility can be found at:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/
7.2.2 Generic Format of the Forecast Text of a NWS-Prepared TAF
Table 7-4. Generic Format of NWS TAFs TAF or
TAF AMD or
TAF COR
Type of report
CCCC YYGGggZ Y 1Y1G1G1/Y2Y2G2G2 dddffGf mfmKT Location identifier Date/time of forecast origin group Valid period Wind group
VVVV w'w' or NSW NsNsNshshshs or VVhshshs or SKC WShwshwshws/dddftKT Visibility group Significant weather group Cloud and vertical obscuration groups Non-convective low-level wind shear (LLWS) group
TTGGgg Forecast change indicator groups
FMY1Y1GGgg TEMPO Y 1Y1GG/YeYeGeGe PROB30 Y 1Y1GG/YeYeGeGe From group Temporary group Probability group
7.2.2.1 Type of Report (TAF or TAF AMD or TAF COR) The report-type header always appears as the first element in the TAF and is produced in three forms: a routine forecast, TAF, an amended forecast, TAF AMD, or a corrected forecast, TAF COR.
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-19
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009) TAFs are amended whenever they become, in the forecaster's judgment, unrepresentative of existing or expected conditions, particularly regarding those elements and events significant to aircraft and airports. An amended forecast is identified by TAF AMD (in place of TAF) on the first line of the forecast text.
7.2.2.2 Location Identifier (CCCC) After the line containing either TAF, TAF AMD, or TAF COR, each TAF begins with its fourletter International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) location identifier.
Examples:
KDFW – Dallas-Fort Worth PANC – Anchorage, Alaska PHNL – Honolulu, Hawaii
7.2.2.3 Date/Time of Forecast Origin Group (YYGGggZ) The date/time of forecast origin group (YYGGggZ) follows the terminal's location identifier. It contains the day of the month in two (2) digits (YY) and time in four (4) digits (GGgg in hours and minutes) the forecast is completed and ready for transmission, with a Z appended to denote UTC. This time is entered by the forecaster. A routine forecast, TAF, is issued 20 to 40 minutes before the beginning of its valid period.
Examples 061737Z The TAF was issued on the 6th day of the month at 1737 UTC.
121123Z The TAF was issued on the 12th day of the month at 1123 UTC.
7.2.2.4 Valid Period (Y1Y1G1G1/Y2Y2G2G2) The TAF valid period (Y1Y1G1G1/Y2Y2G2G2) follows the date/time of forecast origin group.
Scheduled 24- and 30-hour TAFs are issued four (4) times per day, at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800Z. The first two digits (Y1Y1) are the day of the month for the start of the TAF. The next two digits (G1G1) are the starting hour (UTC). Y2Y2 is the day of the month for the end of the TAF, and the last two digits (G2G2) are the ending hour (UTC) of the valid period. A forecast period that begins at midnight UTC is annotated as 00. If the end time of a valid period is at midnight UTC, it is annotated as 24. For example, a 00Z TAF issued on the 9th of the month and valid for 24 hours would have a valid period of 0900/0924.
Whenever an amended TAF (TAF AMD) is issued, it supersedes and cancels the previous TAF.
That is, users should not wait until the start of the valid period indicated within the TAF AMD to begin using it.
Examples:
1512/1612 The TAF is valid from the 15th day of the month at 1200 UTC until the 16th day of the month at 1200 UTC.
2306/2412 This is a 30-hour TAF valid from the 23rd day of the month at 0600 UTC until the 24th day of the month at 1200 UTC.
AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-20
Aviation Weather Services, Advisory Circular 00-45F, Change 2 (March 2009)
0121/0218 This is an amended TAF valid from the 1st day of the month at 2100 UTC until the 2nd day of the month at 1800 UTC.
0600/0624 This TAF is valid from the 6th day of the month at 0000 UTC until the 6th day of the month at 2400 UTC (or 7th day of the month at 0000 UTC).
7.2.2.5 Wind Group (dddffGfmfmKT) The initial time period and any subsequent FM groups begin with a mean surface wind forecast (dddffGfmfmKT) for that period. Wind forecasts are expressed as the mean three-digit direction (ddd - relative to true north) from which the wind is blowing, rounded to the nearest ten degrees and the mean wind speed in knots (ff) for the time period. If wind gusts are forecast (gusts are defined as rapid fluctuations in wind speeds with a variation of 10 knots or more between peaks and lulls), they are indicated immediately after the mean wind speed by the letter G, followed by the peak gust speed expected. KT is appended to the end of the wind forecast group. Any wind speed of 100 knots or more will be encoded in three digits. Calm winds are encoded as 00000KT.
The prevailing wind direction is forecast for any speed greater than or equal to seven (7) knots.
When the prevailing surface wind direction is variable (variations in wind direction of 30 degrees or more), the forecast wind direction is encoded as VRBffKT. Two conditions where this can occur are very light winds and convective activity. Variable wind direction for very light winds must have a wind speed of one (1) through six (6) knots inclusive. For convective activity, the wind group may be encoded as VRBffGfmfmKT, where Gfmfm is the maximum expected wind gusts. VRB is not used in the non-convective LLWS group.
Squalls are forecast in the wind group as gusts (G), but must be identified in the significant weather group with the code SQ.
Examples:
23010KT Wind from 230 degrees “true” (southwest) at 10 knots.
28020G35KT Wind from 280 degrees “true” (west) at 20 knots gusting to 35 knots.
VRB05KT Wind variable at 5 knots. This example depicts a forecast for light winds that are expected to variable in direction.
VRB15G30KT Wind variable at 15 knots gusting to 30 knots. This example depicts winds that are forecast to be variable with convective activity.
00000KT Wind calm
090105KT AC 00-45F, CHG 2 Section 7: Forecast Text Products Page 7-21