BendixKing KAC 503 User Manual

Understanding Aviation

Weather Reports

WARNING

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNDERSTANDING METARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

UNDERSTANDING TAFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

UNDERSTANDING PIREPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

UNDERSTANDING AIRMETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

UNDERSTANDING SIGMETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

UNDERSTANDING CONVECTIVE SIGMETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

UNDERSTANDING ALERT WEATHER WATCHES (AWW) . . . . . . . .14

APPENDIX A COMMON WEATHER ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . .A-1

APPENDIX B INFLIGHT ADVISORY LOCATOR CHARTS . . . . . . . .B-1

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

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Rev 1 Oct. 2003

UNDERSTANDING METARS

Refer to the numbers on the following diagram to find the appropriate descriptions.

13452678

METAR KPIT 201955Z AUTO 22015G25KT 3/4SM R28R/2600FT TSRA OVC010CB 18/16 A2992 RMK SLPO13 T01760158 PK WND 22030/15

910 11

1. Type of Report: METAR (SPECI will be seen here if this is a Special

Weather Report)

2. ICAO Station Identifier: KPIT This is the location for which the METAR pertains.

3. Date and Time of Issue: 201955Z The 20th day of the month at 1955Zulu or UTC.

4. AUTO indicates the reporting station is an automated station. If the reporting station is a manned station this element will be omitted. Also, if a report from an automated station is modified by a person this element will be omitted. “COR” indicates a corrected report.

5. Wind: 22015G25KT 220 is the 3 digit true direction to the nearest 10°. Airport advisory ser-

vice, ATIS and ATC towers report wind direction as magnetic. “VRB” in this place indicates variable winds less than or equal to 6 knots. If wind direction is varying more than 60° with speeds over 6 knots, an entry similar to “180V260” will be displayed in this place. This example actually shows wind direction varying by 80°.

15 is the 2 or 3 digit wind speed (in knots).

25 is the 2 or 3 digit wind gust speed in knots (KT) because it follows a G

(Gust).

6. Visibility: 3/4SM R28R/2600FT 3/4 indicates 3/4 statute mile (SM) visibility.

Runway Visual Range (RVR) for R28R (runway 28 right) is 2600 feet (2600FT). An “M” in this distance number indicates visibility is less than the lowest reportable sensor value. A “P” indicates visibility is greater than the highest reportable sensor value.

NOTE: Only reported at those locations with certified RVR reporting capability.

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

7. Significant Present Weather: TSRA TS is a two letter designation for thunderstorm. Other possible desig-

nations could be as follows:

BC Patches BL Blowing DR Low Drifting FZ Supercooled/Freezing MI Shallow PR Partial SH Showers

The second two letter designator, RA, indicates moderate rain. Moderate is indicated by the absence of a “+”, “-” or “VC” preceding the designation. These preceding designations represent the following:

+ Heavy

- Light VC In the vicinity

Other possible designations could be as follows:

BR Mist DS Dust Storm DU Widespread Dust DZ Drizzle FC Funnel Cloud +FC Tornado/Water Spout FG Fog FU Smoke GR Hail GS Small Hail/Snow Pellets HZ Haze IC Ice Crystals PE Ice Pellets PO Dust/Sand Whirls PY Spray SA Sand SG Snow Grains SN Snow SQ Squall SS Sandstorm UP Unknown Precipitation (Automated Observations) VA Volcanic Ash

8. Sky Condition: OVC010CB OVC indicates the sky is overcast. Cloud cover is based on the sky

being divided into eighths or octas. Overcast means the sky is 8 octas covered. The cloud cover designators are as follows:

SKC Sky Clear

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

CLR Clear below 12,000 ft. (automated observing systems) FEW 1-2 Octas SCT 3-4 Octas BKN 5-7 Octas OVC 8 octas

“VV” may also be encountered here indicating an indefinite ceiling. For example, VV004 would indicate a vertical visibility of 400 feet.

010 indicates clouds are at 1000 feet.

CB denotes cloud type is cumulonimbus. “TCU” is another possible

designator meaning towering cumulus. CI is cirrus.

9. Temperature/Dew Point: 18/16 18 indicated the temperature is 18° Celsius. An “M” preceding the tem-

perature means the temperature is below 0° Celsius. 16 indicated the dew point is 16° Celsius. An “M” preceding the dew

point means the dew point is below 0° Celsius.

10. Altimeter Setting: A2992 A indicates the setting is in inches of mercury.

2992 is the altimeter setting. The first two digits are inches and the

second two are hundredths.

11. Remarks: RMK SLP013 T01760158 PK WND 22030/15 RMK designates the beginning of the remarks. Remarks can contain

anything, but often include the following:

SLP indicates sea level pressure in millibars from selected stations. 013 indicates pressure is 1001.3 millibars. T01760158. Selected stations may also include a 9 place code indi-

cating temperature and dewpoint to the nearest 1/10 degree. T denotes temperature. 0 indicates temperature is above 0° Celsius. A “1” in this position indicates a temperature below 0° Celsius. 176 indicates a temperature of 17.6° Celsius. The next 0 indicates the dew point is above 0° Celsius. A “1” in this position indicates a dew point below 0° Celsius. 158 indicates a dewpoint of 15.8° Celsius.

PK WND 22030/15. Selected stations may include peak wind observations which will appear in the remarks element.

PK WND denotes peak wind. 200 indicates wind direction from 200°. 30/15 indicates a maximum instantaneous wind of 30 knots occurred at

15 minutes past the hour.

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

UNDERSTANDING TAFS

Refer to the numbers on the following diagram to find the appropriate descriptions.

1345

TAF KPIT 091730Z 091818 22020KT 3SM -SHRA BKN020

FM2030 30015G25KT 3SM SHRA OVC015 WS015/30045KT

TEMPO 2022 1/2SM TSRA OVC008CB

FM0100 27008KT 5SM -SHRA BKN020 OVC040 PROB40 0407 00000KT 1SM -RA BR

FM1000 22010KT 5SM -SHRA OVC020 BECMG 1315 20010KT

P6SM NSW SKC

1514131216 17 18

1. Type of Report: TAF TAF indicates a Terminal Area Forecast. TAF AMD indicates an

amended forecast.

2. ICAO Station Identifier: KPIT This is the airport for which the TAF pertains.

3. Date and Time of Issue: 091730Z The 9th day of the month at 1730Zulu or UTC.

4. Date and Time Valid: 091818

The 9th day of the month, valid for 24 hours from 091800Z to 101800Z. An amended forecast (TAF AMD) will be valid for only the time interval remaining, usually less than 24 hours.

5. Forecast Wind: 22020KT

See #5 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details.

6. Forecast Visibility: 3SM

See #6 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details, except RVR is not included in a TAF

7. Forecast Weather Phenomenon: -SHRA

See #7 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details.

8. Sky Conditions: BKN020

See #8 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details.

9. Beginning of Changed Forecast Conditions: FM1000

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

FM denotes “from” and 1000 indicates 1000Z. “From” means a significant change in prevailing conditions is expected. The described conditions follow this element and supercede all previous forecast conditions.

10. Forecast Wind: 22010KT See #5 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details.

11. Forecast Visibility: 5SM See #6 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details.

12. Forecast Weather Phenomenon: -SHRA See #7 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details.

13. Forecast Sky Conditions: OVC020 See #8 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details.

14. Change in Conditions: BECMG 1315 BECMG indicates “becoming” over the time interval between 1300Z

(13) and 1500Z (15). “Becoming” describes a gradual change in forecast conditions. The described conditions follow this element and supercede previously reported like elements.

15. Wind Becoming: 20010KT See #5 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details. This

element may be omitted if no change is expected.

16. Visibility Becoming: P6SM

See #6 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details. This element may be omitted if no change is expected.

17. Weather Phenomenon Becoming: NSW

NSW indicates “No Significant Weather”. See #7 in the UNDER-

STANDING METARs section for details.

18. Sky Conditions Becoming: SKC

See #8 in the UNDERSTANDING METARs section for details. This element may be omitted if no change is expected.

19. Change in Conditions: TEMPO 2022

TEMPO indicates “temporary” changes expected as described between

2000Z (20)and 2200Z (22). “Temporary” indicates a temporary fluctuation in conditions, usually lasting less than one hour. The described conditions follow this element.

20. Low Level Windshear: WS015/30045KT

WS indicates “windshear” not associated with convective activity. 015

indicates the windshear is expected at 1500 feet. AGL Wind is expected from 300° (300) at 45 knots (45KT).

21. Change in Conditions: PROB40 0407

PROB40 indicates a 40% “probability” of described conditions occurring

between 0400Z (04)and 0700Z (07). The described conditions follow this element.

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

UNDERSTANDING PIREPS

The following is an example of a typical PIREP with an explanation of the elements.

KCRW UA/OV KBKW 360015-KCRW/TM 1815/FL120/TP BE99/SK IMC/ WX RA/TA M08/WV 290030/TB LGT-MDT/IC LGT RIME/RM MDT MXD ICG DURGC KROA NWBND FL080-100 1750Z

1. Station Identifier: KCRW

This is the station identifier of the nearest weather reporting location to the reported conditions.

2. Report Type: UA Reports will be routine (UA) or urgent (UUA).

3. Location: OV KBKW 360015-KCRW OV indicates the report is in relation to a VOR. KBKW is the VOR iden-

tifier, in this case Beckley VOR. 360015-KCRW indicates position as related to the VOR. In this case, 15 miles out on the 360 degree radial. KCRW indicates this is a leg to the Charleston, West Virginia VOR.

The next series of elements contain data that is read much like that in METARs and TAFs. Each element starts with a 2-letter designator which denotes the type of data with that element. The following defines the element designators:

/TM: Time as Coordinated Universal Time /FL: Altitude as Flight Level /TP: Aircraft Type /SK: Sky Cover (may include cloud height and coverage) /WX: Weather Phenomenon (can include flight visibility, precipitation

and restrictions to visibility.

/TA: Outside air temperature at altitude in degrees Celsius. /WV: Wind (direction in degrees magnetic north and speed in knots)

/TB: Turbulence (refer to the Airman’s Information Manual)

CAT - Clear Air Turbulence CHOP - Choppy Turbulence OCNL - Occasional NEG - No Turbulence ABV - Above BLO - Below

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

LGT - Light - Momentarily causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and/or attitude.

MOD - Moderate - Greater intensity changes in altitude and/or attitude, but aircraft remains in positive control at all times. Usually causes changes in indicated airspeed.

SEV - Severe - Causes large and abrupt changes to aircraft altitude and/or attitude. Large variations in indicated airspeed and momentary loss of control.

EXTRM - Extreme - Aircraft is violently tossed about and is nearly impossible to control. May cause structural damage.

/IC: Icing (refer to the Airman’s Information Manual)

CLR - Clear MX - Mixed (combination of rime and clear icing) NEG - No Icing ABV - Above BLO - Below

Trace - Ice becomes perceptible. Rate of evaporation is almost equal to the rate of accumulation. Deicing/anti-icing equipment is not utilized unless encountered for a period of time greater than 1 hour.

LGT - Light - Rate of accumulation may be a problem if flight is prolonged for longer than 1 hour without deicing/anti-icing equipment. Deicing/anti-icing removes and/or prevents accumulation.

MOD - Moderate - The rate of accumulation is such that even short encounters become potentially hazardous. Use of deicing/anti-icing equipment or diversion is necessary.

SEV - Severe - Flight diversion is necessary. Deicing/anti-icing equipment is not effective.

/RM: Remarks (for reporting elements not included or to clarify previ-

ously reported items). Remarks can include anything. The example translates to “moderate (MDT) mixed (MXD) icing during climb (DURGC) from Roanoke, VA (KROA) northwestbound (NWBND) between Flight Level 080 and 100 (FL080100) at 1750Z”.

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

UNDERSTANDING AIRMETS

The following is an example of a typical AIRMET with an explanation of the elements.

134

CHIT WA 151900 AMD AIRMET TANGO UPDT 2 FOR TURB

VALID UNTIL 160100

AIRMET TURB...KS MO

FROM MCI TO STL TO SGF TO ICT TO MCI

8 9

MOD TURB BLW 100 EXPCD CONDS IPVG AFT 160000Z

1. Forecast Area: CHIT

This is the station identifier of the issuing Weather Service Forecast Office.

BOS Boston CHI Chicago DFW Dallas/Ft. Worth MIA Miami SFO San Fransisco SLC Salt Lake City

The T denotes the reason for the AIRMET. This could be one of the following:

S Sierra IFR Ceilings less than 1,000 feet and/or visi-

bility less than 3 miles affecting over 50% of the area at one time or extensive mountain obscuration.

T Tango Turbulence Moderate turbulence, sustained surface

winds of 30 knots or more at the surface

or low level windshear. Z Zulu Icing Moderate icing and/or freezing levels. AIRMET items are considered widespread. Widespread is considered

an area of at least 3,000 square miles.

2. Report Type: WA WA identifies an AIRMET.

3. Date and Time Issued: 151900 15 indicates the 15th day of the month. 1900 indicates UTC.

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

4. AMD indicates an amended report. Reports can be amended due to changing weather conditions or issuance/cancelation of a SIGMET. COR in this field would indicate a corrected AIRMET. RTD indicates a delayed AIRMET.

5. This line indicates that there is a second (2) update (UPDT) to this AIRMET issued for turbulence (FOR TURB). More than one meteoro-

logical condition may be addressed as shown in the following:

FOR IFR AND MTN (mountain) OBSCN (obscuration) FOR ICE AND FRZLVL (freezing level) FOR STG (strong) SFC (surface) WINDS AND LLWS (low level

wind shear)

6. This updated AIRMET is valid until 0100 UTC on the 16th day (16) of the month. An AIRMET does not contain an explicit validity start time.

7. This AIRMET forecasts turbulence (TURB) for the states of KS (Kansas) and MO (Missouri). Geographic areas are also covered such as CSTL WTRS (coastal waters). Other geographic abbreviations are used as well (see Appendix A).

8. The affected area is defined by lines FROM MCI (Kansas City) TO STL (St. Louis) TO SGF (Springfield) TO ICT (Wichita) and back TO MCI. Areas can be defined by lines between points which are airport or navaid identifiers.

9. Moderate (MOD) turbulence (TURB) below (BLW) 10,000 feet expected (EXPCD).

10. Conditions (CONDS) improving (IPVG) after (AFT) the 16th day (16) of the month 0000 UTC.

If conditions end more than one hour prior to the indicated expiration time, an amended AIRMET will be issued stating it’s cancellation. If conditions end within one hour of the indicated expiration time, the AIRMET will be allowed to expire without cancellation.

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

UNDERSTANDING SIGMETS

CHIR UWS 041430 SIGMET ROMEO 1 VALID UNTIL 041830 KY TN WV VA OH FROM CVG TO EKN TO PSK TO VXV TO CVG OCNL SEV TURB BTN 300 AND 360. RPRTD BY AIRCRAFT. CONDS CONTG BYD 1830Z. SLM/GTB

4 5

6 7

The following is an example of a typical SIGMET issued for turbulence with an explanation of the elements.

1. Forecast Area: CHIR This is the station identifier of the issuing Weather Service Forecast

Office.

BOS Boston CHI Chicago DFW Dallas/Ft. Worth MIA Miami SFO San Fransisco SLC Salt Lake City

The R denotes report ROMEO. A new alphabetic designator is given each time a SIGMET is issued for a new weather phenomenon. The order of issuance is as follows:

N NOVEMBER O OSCAR P PAPA Q QUEBEC R ROMEO U UNIFORM V VICTOR W WHISKEY X XRAY Y YANKEE

SIGMETs are issued for:

Severe icing not associated with thunderstorms Severe or extreme turbulence or clear air turbulence (CAT) Dust storms or sandstorms lowering visibilities to < 3 miles Volcanic ash

2. Report Type: UWS

UWS indicates this is the first issuance of report ROMEO. Subsequent reports for ROMEO would display WS.

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

3. Date and Time Issued: 041430. 04 indicates the 4th day of the month. 1430 indicates UTC.

4. This line indicates that SIGMET ROMEO 1 is VALID UNTIL the 4th day

(04) of the month at 1830 UTC. Each subsequent report issued for this same weather phenomenon

designated ROMEO would increment the number. For example, ROMEO 2, ROMEO 3 and so on.

5. Area of coverage by state or geographic area. In addition to state

abbreviations, other area abbreviations may be seen here, such as, TX CSTL WTRS (Texas Coastal Waters).

6. Location of weather phenomenon. Three letter designators for navaids

or airports are used to describe boundaries of coverage. If the weather phenomenon extends across multiple forecast areas, the location is described as if no boundaries exist.

7. Details of weather phenomenon. The example is typical of a synopsis

for turbulence:

OCNL (occasional) SEV (severe) TURB (turbulence) BTN (between) 300 (30,000 feet) AND 360 (36,000 feet). RPRTD (reported) BY AIR- CRAFT. CONDS (conditions) CONTG (continuing) BYD (beyond 1830Z.

More typical examples of descriptors used in other SIGMET weather phenomenon are as follows:

MOD (moderate) TO STG (strong) UDDFS (updrafts and downdrafts) UPDFTS (updrafts) DWNDFTS (downdrafts) INVOF (in vicinity of) MTNS (mountains) BLO (below) 360 BTWN (between) FRZLVL (freezing level) AND 360 ABV (above) 360 RPRTD (reported) BY ACFT(aircraft) IN VCNTY (vicinity) RPRTD BY SVRL (several) ACFT

8. Issuers initials.

If conditions end more than one half hour prior to the indicated expiration time, and the report does not state that conditions will continue, a cancellation will be issued with CNCL SIGMET as the report designator. If conditions are expected to continue, a new SIGMET will be issued. If conditions end within one half hour of the indicated expiration time, the SIGMET will be allowed to expire without cancellation.

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

UNDERSTANDING CONVECTIVE SIGMETS

The following is an example of a typical Convective SIGMET with an explanation of the elements.

MKCC WST 221855 CONVECTIVE SIGMET 20C

V ALID UNTIL 2055Z

ND SD

FROM 60W MOT-GFK-ABR-90W MOT

INTSFYG AREA SVR TSTMS MOVG FROM 2445. TOPS ABV FL450.

WIND GUSTS TO 60KT RPRTD. TORNADOES…HAIL TO 2 IN…WIND GUSTS TO 65KT PSBL ND PTN.

1. Station Identifier: MKCC MKC is the station identifier of the Aviation Weather Center (AWC) in

Kansas City. The C denotes the report is for the Central portion of the continental

United States. The choices are as follows:

C Central E East W West

Convective SIGMETs are issued for:

Severe weather including: (a)Surface winds ≥ 50 knots, (b) Surface hail ≥ 3/4 inch in diameter or (c) Tornadoes

Embedded thunderstorms (obscured by haze or other phenomena) Line of thunderstorms Thunderstorms ≥ VIP level 4 affecting ≥ 40% of an area ≥ 3000 sq. mi.

2. Report Type: WST

WST indicates this is a convective SIGMET.

3. Date and Time Issued: 221855.

22 indicates the 22nd day of the month. 1855 indicates UTC.

4. This line is the identifying number of the Convective SIGMET.

Numbering begins daily at 0000 UTC. The C denotes the Central portion of the country.

5. This line indicates that CONVECTIVE SIGMET 20C is VALID UNTIL 2055Z time. Expiration time is two hours after issuance, but Convective

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

SIGMETs are issued hourly and replace the previous hour’s product. Each subsequent report issued for this same weather phenomenon

would increment the number. For example, 21C, 22C and so on.

6. Area of coverage by state ND (North Dakota) and SD (South Dakota) or geographic area. In addition to state abbreviations, other area abbreviations may be seen here, such as FL CSTL WTRS (Florida Coastal Waters).

7. Location of weather phenomenon (may be an area, single cell or line). Three letter designators for navaids or airports are used to describe boundaries of coverage.

The starting and ending point are identical for an area of thunderstorms, like this: FROM 90W MOT-GFK-ABR-90W MOT (from 90 nm west of Minot, ND to Grand Forks, ND to Aberdeen, SD to 90 nm west of Minot, ND).

A Single Cell this: 35WMKC

A Line 70NE TXK-50NE LFK (from 90 nm southeast of Springfield, MO to 70 nm northeast of Texarkana, AR to 50 nm northeast of Lufkin, TX).

8. Details of weather phenomenon. Convective SIGMET details are mostly in plain language with some abbreviations. This example is typical for an area of severe thunderstorms:

INTSFYG (intensifying) AREA (of) SVR TSTMS (severe thunderstorms) MOVG (moving) FROM 2445 (240 degrees at 45 knots). Storm TOPS ABV (above) FL450 (flight level 4-5-0). WIND GUSTS TO 60KT (knots) RPRTD (reported). TORNADOES…HAIL TO 2 IN (inches in diameter)…WIND GUSTS TO 65 KT (knots) PSBL (possible) in the ND PTN (North Dakota portion).

For a single cell thunderstorm: ISOLD (isolated) SVR TSTM (severe thunderstorm) D30 (30 nm in

diameter) MOVG (moving) FROM 2520 (250 degrees at 20 knots). Storm TOPS ABV (above) FL450 (flight level 4-5-0). HAIL TO 2 IN (inches in diameter) WIND GUSTS TO 65 KT (knots) PSBL (possible).

For a line of thunderstorms 25 nm wide: LINE (line of) SVR TSTMS (severe thunderstorms) 25 MI WIDE MOVG

(moving) FROM 2745 (270 degrees at 45 knots). Storm TOPS ABV (above) FL450 (flight level 4-5-0). WIND GUSTS TO 60KT (knots) RPRTD (reported). TORNADOES…HAIL TO 2 IN (inches in diameter)…WIND GUSTS TO 65 KT (knots) PSBL (possible).

thunderstorm 35 nm west of Kansas City would look like

of severe thunderstorms would look like this: FROM 90SE SGF-

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

UNDERSTANDING ALERT WEATHER WATCHES (AWW)

The following is an example of a typical Alert Weather Watch with an explanation of the elements.

SPC AWW 162236 WW 1162 SEVERE TSTM MS AL FL AND ADJ CSTL WTRS

162300Z - 170400Z

AXIS..75 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..

45SW MOB/MOBILE AL/ - 30SSE DHN/DOTHAN AL/

..AVIATION COORDS.. 65NM N/S /37SW MOB - 51WNW TLH/ HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 1/4 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60

KNOTS. MAX TOPS TO 400. MEAN WIND VECTOR 23035.

1. Station Identifier: SPC SPC is the station identifier for the Storm Prediction Center in Norman,

Oklahoma. AWWs are issued for:

Tornado Damaging winds or winds > 58 knots Hail ≥ 3/4 inch in diameter.

2. Report Type: AWW

AWW indicates this is an Alert Weather Watch.

3. Date and Time Issued: 162236.

16 indicates the 16th day of the month. 2236 indicates UTC.

4. WW 1162 is the identifying number of the Alert Weather Watch.

Numbering begins yearly at 0000.

5. This line indicates the type of weather and the affected areas. SEVERE TSTM (severe thunderstorm) for MS (Mississippi) AL (Alabama) FL (Florida) AND ADJ CSTL WTRS (adjacent coastal waters).

6. This line indicates that the watch is valid from 162300Z - 170400Z (the

16th at 2300 Zulu to the 17th at 0400 Zulu).

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

7. Coordinates of the watch box area. Draw a line 75 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF A LINE.. The endpoints of the line are 45SSW MOB/MOBILE AL/-30SSE DHN/DOTHAN AL/ (45 miles

south-southwest of Mobile, Alabama and 30 miles south-southeast of Dothan, Alabama). Connect the lines to form the box. Sometimes it might be defined as EAST AND WEST OF A LINE.. or EITHER SIDE

OF A LINE..

8. Aviation coordinates of the watch box area. Draw a line 65NM N/S / (65

nautical miles north and south) of a line). The endpoints of the line are 37SW MOB - 51WNW TLH/ (37 nautical miles southwest of Mobile, Alabama and 51 nautical miles west-northwest of Tallahassee, Florida). Connect the lines to form the box.

9. Details of the forecast weather. AWW details are mostly in plain lan- guage with some abbreviations. This is an example of a typical product.

HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1 1/4 INCHES (hail diameter potential of one and one quarter inches) WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS (wind gust potential of 60 knots) MAX TOPS TO 400 (maximum tops of the storms is 40,000 feet). MEAN WIND VECTOR 23035 (motion of storm is 230 degrees at 35 knots).

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Rev 1 Oct. 2003

APPENDIX A

COMMON WEATHER ABBREVIA TIONS

ABNDT Abundant ABNML Abnormal ABT About ABV Above AC Convective outlook

or altocumulus

ACC Altocumulus castel-

lanus clouds

ACCAS Altocumulus castel-

lanus clouds ACFT MSHP Aircraft Mishap ACCUM Accumulate ACFT Aircraft ACLT Accelerate ACLTD Accelerated ACLTG Accelerating ACLTS Accelerates ACPY Accompany ACRS Across ACSL Altocumulus

standing lenticular ACTV Active ACTVTY Activity ACYC Anticyclone ADJ Adjacent ADL Additional ADQT Adequate ADQTLY Adequately ADRNDCK Adirondack ADVCT Advect ADVCTD Advected ADVCTG Advecting ADVCTN Advection ADVCTS Advects ADVN Advance ADVNG Advancing ADVY Advisory ADVYS Advisories AFCT Affect

AFCTD Affected AFCTG Affecting AFDK After dark AFOS Automated Field

Operations System

AFSS Automated Flight

Service Station AFT After AFTN Afternoon AGL Above ground level AGN Again AGRD Agreed AGRS Agrees AGRMT Agreement AHD Ahead AIRMET Airman’s Meteoro-

logical Information AK Alaska AL Alabama ALF Aloft ALG Along ALGHNY Allegheny ALP Airport Location

Point ALQDS All quadrants ALSTG Altimeter setting ALT Altitude ALTA Alberta ALTHO Although ALTM Altimeter ALUTN Aleutian AMD Amend AMDD Amended AMDG Amending AMDT Amendment AMP Amplify AMPG Amplifying AMPLTD Amplitude AMS Air mass

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-1

Appendix A

AMT Amount ANLYS Analysis ANS Answer AO1 Automated

Reporting Station

AO2 Automated

Reporting Station AOA At or above AOB At or below AP Anomalous

Propagation APCH Approach APCHG Approaching APCHS Approaches APLCN Appalachian APLCNS Appalachians APPR Appear APPRG Appearing APPRS Appears APRNT Apparent APRNTLY Apparently APRX Approximate APRXLY Approximately AR Arkansas ARL Air Resources Lab ARND Around ARPT Airport ASAP As soon as possible ASL Above Sea Level ASMD As Amended ASOS Automated Surface

Observing System ASSOCD Associated ASSOCN Association ATCT Air Traffic Control

Tower ATLC Atlantic ATTM At this time ATTN Attention AUTO Automated report AVBL Available AVG Average AVN Aviation model

AWC Aviation Weather

Center

AWIPS Advanced Interactive

Weather Processing System

AWOS Automated Weather

Observing system AWT Awaiting AWW Alert Weather Watch AZ Arizona AZM Azimuth B Began BACLIN Baroclinic BAJA Baja, California BATROP Barotropic BC British Columbia or

patches (descriptor

used with FG) BCFG Patchy fog BCH Beach BCKG Backing BCM Become BCMG Becoming BCMS Becomes BD Blowing dust BDA Bermuda BDRY Boundary BECMG Becoming BFDK Before dark BFR Before BGN Begin BGNG Beginning BGNS Begins BHND Behind BINOVC Breaks in overcast BKN Broken BL Blowing BLD Build BLDG Building BLDS Builds BLDUP Buildup BLKHLS Black Hills BLKT Blanket

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-2

Appendix A

BLKTG Blanketing BLKTS Blankets BLO Below or below

clouds BLW Below BLZD Blizzard BN Blowing sand BND Bound BNDRY Boundary BNDRYS Boundaries BNTH Beneath BOOTHEEL Bootheel BR Branch or mist

(METAR, used only

for visibility between

5/8 and 6 miles) BRF Brief BRG Branching BRK Break BRKG Breaking BRKHIC Breaks in higher

clouds BRKS Breaks BRKSHR Berkshire BRKSHRS Berkshires BRM Barometer BRN Bulk Richardson

Number BRS Branches BS Blowing snow BTWN Between BWER Bounded weak

echo region BYD Beyond C Celsius CA California or cloud-

to-air lightning in

PIREPs CAA Cold air advection CAPE Convective available

potential energy CARIB Caribbean CAS Committee for

Aviation Services

CASCDS Cascades CAT Clear air turbulence CAVOK Ceiling and visibility

CAVU Ceiling and visibility

unlimited CB Cumulonimbus CBMAM Cumulonimbus

Mammatus clouds CC Cirrocumulus CCCC Generic WMO format

code group for a

four-letter location

identifier CCL Convective conden-

sation level CCLDS Clear of clouds CCLKWS Counterclockwise CCSL Cirrocumulus

standing lenticular CCx Code used in the

WMO abbreviated

heading to indicate

a corrected forecast,

where x is the letter

A through X CDFNT Cold front CDFNTL Cold frontal CFP Cold front passage CG Cloud to ground

(lightning) CHC Chance CHCS Chances CHG Change CHGD Changed CHGG Changing CHGS Changes CHI Cloud-Height

indicator CHINO Sky condition at

secondary location

not available CHOP Turbulence type

characterized by

rapid, rhythmic jolts CHSPK Chesapeake CI Cirrus

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-3

Appendix A

CIG Ceiling CIGS Ceilings CIN Convective inhibition CLD Cloud CLDNS Cloudiness CLDS Clouds CLKWS Clockwise CLR Clear CLRG Clearing CLRS Clears CMPLX Complex CNCL Cancel CNCLD Canceled CNCLG Canceling CNCLS Cancels CNDN Canadian CNTR Center CNTRD Centered CNTRLN Centerline CNTRS Centers CNTRL Central CNTY County CNTYS Counties CNVG Converge CNVGG Converging CNVGNC Convergence CNVTN Convection CNVTV Convective CNVTVLY Convectively CONFDC Confidence CO Colorado COMPAR Compare COMPARG Comparing COMPARD Compared COMPARS Compares COMPR Compare COMPRG Comparing COMPRD Compared COMPRS Compares COND Condition CONS Continuous

CONT Continue CONTD Continued CONTLY Continually CONTG Continuing CONTRAILS Condensation trails CONTS Continues CONTDVD Continental Divide CONUS Continental U.S. COORD Coordinate COR Correction CPBL Capable CPC Climate Prediction

Center CRC Circle CRCLC Circulate CRCLN Circulation CRLC Circulate CRLN Circulation CRNR Corner CRNRS Corners CRS Course CS Cirrostratus CSDR Consider CSDRBL Considerable CST Coast CSTL Coastal CT Connecticut CTC Contact CTGY Category CTSKLS Catskills CU Cumulus CUFRA Cumulus fractus CVR Cover CVRD Covered CVRG Covering CVRS Covers CWSU Center Weather

Service Units CYC Cyclonic CYCLGN Cyclogenesis DABRK Daybreak DALGT Daylight

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-4

Appendix A

DBL Double DC District of Columbia DCR Decrease DCRD Decreased DCRG Decreasing DCRGLY Decreasingly DCRS Decreases DE Delaware DEG Degree DEGS Degrees DELMARVA Delaware-Maryland-

Virginia DFCLT Difficult DFCLTY Difficulty DFNT Definite DFNTLY Definitely DFRS Differs DFUS Diffuse DGNL Diagonal DGNLLY Diagonally DIGG Digging DIR Direction DISC Discontinue DISCD Discontinued DISCG Discontinuing DISRE Disregard DISRED Disregarded DISREG Disregarding DKTS Dakotas DLA Delay DLAD Delayed DLT Delete DLTD Deleted DLTG Deleting DLY Daily DMG Damage DMGD Damaged DMGG Damaging DMNT Dominant DMSH Diminish DMSHD Diminished

DMSHG Diminishing DMSHS Diminishes DNDFTS Downdrafts DNS Dense DNSLP Downslope DNSTRM Downstream DNWND Downwind DP Deep DPND Deepened DPNG Deepening DPNS Deepens DPR Deeper DPTH Depth DR Low Drifting

(descriptor used

with DU, SA or SN DRDU Drifting dust DRFT Drift DRFTD Drifted DRFTG Drifting DRFTS Drifts DRSA Low drifting sand DRSN Low drifting snow DRZL Drizzle DS Duststorm DSCNT Descent DSIPT Dissipate DSIPTD Dissipated DSIPTG Dissipating DSIPTN Dissipation DSIPTS Dissipates DSND Descend DSNDG Descending DSNDS Descends DSNT Distant DSTBLZ Destabilize DSTBLZD Destabilized DSTBLZG Destabilizing DSTBLZS Destabilizes DSTBLZN Destabilization DSTC Distance DTRT Deteriorate

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-5

Appendix A

DTRTD Deteriorated DTRTG Deteriorating DTRTS Deteriorates DU Widespread dust

storm DURC During climb DURD During descent DURG During DURGC During climb DURGD During descent DURN Duration DVLP Develop DVLPD Developed DVLPG Developing DVLPMT Development DVLPS Develops DVRG Diverge DVRGG Diverging DVRGNC Divergence DVRGS Diverges DVV Downward vertical

velocity DWNDFTS Downdrafts DWPNT Dew point DWPNTS Dew points DX Duplex DZ Drizzle (METAR) E East EBND Eastbound EFCT Effect ELNGT Elongate ELNGTD Elongated ELSW Elsewhere EMBD Embedded EMBDD Embedded EMERG Emergency ENCTR Encounter ENDG Ending ENE East-northeast ENELY East-northeasterly ENERN East-northeastern

ENEWD East-northeastward ENHNC Enhance ENHNCD Enhanced ENHNCG Enhancing ENHNCS Enhances ENHNCMNT Enhancement ENRT Enroute ENTR Entire ERN Eastern ERY Early ERYR Earlier ESE East-southeast ESELY East-southeasterly ESERN East-southeastern ESEWD East-southeastward ESNTL Essential ESTAB Establish EST Estimate ESTS Estimates ETA Estimated time of

arrival or ETA

model ETC Et cetera ETIM Elapsed time EVE Evening EWD Eastward EXCLV Exclusive EXCLVLY Exclusively EXCP Except EXPC Expect EXPCD Expected EXPCG Expecting EXTD Extend EXTDD Extended EXTDG Extending EXTDS Extends EXTN Extension EXTRAP Extrapolate EXTRAPD Extrapolated EXTRM Extreme EXTRMLY Extremely

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-6

Appendix A

EXTSV Extensive F Fahrenheit FA Aviation area fore-

cast FAH Fahrenheit FAM Familiar FC Funnel cloud

(+FC = Tornado or

water spout) FCST Forecast FCSTD Forecasted FCSTG Forecasting FCSTR Forecaster FCSTS Forecasts FEW Few (used to

describe cloud

cover or weather

phenomena, >0

octas to 2 octas

cloud amount) FG Fog (METAR, only

when visibility is

less than 5/8 mile) FIBI Filed but impracti-

cable to transmit FIG Figure FILG Filling FIR Flight information

region FIRAV First available FIS Flight Information

Service FIS-B Flight Information

Service - Broadcast FIRST First observation

after a break in cov-

erage at manual

station FL Florida or flight level FLG Falling FLRY Flurry FLRYS Flurries FLT Flight FLW Follow FLWG Following FM From

FMGGgg From the time (UTC)

indicated by GGgg. Generic WMO format code group, indicating a significant and rapid (in less than 1 hour) change to a new set of

prevailing conditions FMT Format FNCTN Function FNT Front FNTL Frontal FNTS Fronts FNTGNS Frontogenesis FNTLYS Frontolysis FORNN Forenoon FPM Feet per minute FQT Frequent FQTLY Frequently FRM Form FRMG Forming FRMN Formation FROPA Frontal passage FROSFC Frontal surface FRQ Frequent FRST Frost FRWF Forecast wind factor FRZ Freeze FRZLVL Freezing level FRZN Frozen FRZG Freezing FT Feet or

Terminal Forecast FTHR Further FU Smoke FV Flight visibility FVRBL Favorable FWD Forward FYI For your information FZ Freezing FZRANO Freezing rain

sensor not available G Gust

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-7

Appendix A

GA Georgia GEN General GENLY Generally GEO Geographic GEOREF Geographical refer-

ence GF Fog GICG Glaze icing GLFALSK Gulf of Alaska GLFCAL Gulf of California GLFMEX Gulf of Mexico GLFSTLAWR Gulf of St.

Lawrence GND Ground GNDFG Ground fog GOES Geostationary

Operational

Environmental

Satellite GR Hail (greater than

1/4 inch in diam-

eter) GRAD Gradient GRDL Gradual GRDLY Gradually GRT Great GRTLY Greatly GRTR Greater GRTST Greatest GRTLKS Great Lakes GS Small hail or snow

pellets (smaller than

1/4 inch in diameter) GSTS Gusts GSTY Gusty GTS Global Telecommuni-

cation System GV Ground visibility HAZ Hazard HCVIS High clouds visible HDFRZ Hard freeze HDSVLY Hudson Valley HDWND Head wind HGT Height

HI High or Hawaii HIER Higher HIFOR High level forecast HLF Half HLTP Hilltop HLSTO Hailstones HLYR Haze layer HND Hundred HPC Hydrometeorological

Prediction Center HR Hour HRS Hours HRZN Horizon HTG Heating HURCN Hurricane HUREP Hurricane report HV Have HVY Heavy HVYR Heavier HVYST Heaviest HWVR However HWY Highway HZ Haze IA Iowa IC Ice crystals or ice ICAO International Civil

Aviation

Organization ICG Icing ICGIC Icing in clouds ICGICIP Icing in clouds and

in precipitation ICGIP Icing in precipitation ID Idaho IFR Instrument flight

rules IL Illinois IMC Instrument meteo-

rolgical conditions IMDT Immediate IMDTLY Immediately IMPL Impulse IMPLS Impulses

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-8

Appendix A

IMPT Important INCL Include INCLD Included INCLG Including INCLS Includes INCR Increase INCRD Increased INCRG Increasing INCRGLY Increasingly INCRS Increases INDC Indicate INDCD Indicated INDCG Indicating INDCS Indicates INDEF Indefinite INFO Information INLD Inland INSTBY Instability INTCNTL Intercontinental INTER Intermittent INTL International INTMD Intermediate INTMT Intermittent INTMTLY Intermittently INTR Interior INTRMTRGN Intermountain

region INTS Intense INTSFCN Intensification INTSFY Intensify INTSFYD Intensified INTSFYG Intensifying INTSFYS Intensifies INTSTY Intensity INTVL Interval INVRN Inversion IOVC In overcast INVOF In vicinity of IP Ice pellets IPV Improve IPVG Improving

IR Infrared ISOL Isolate ISOLD Isolated JCTN Junction JTSTR Jet stream KFRST Killing frost KLYR Smoke layer aloft KOCTY Smoke over city KS Kansas KT Knots KY Kentucky L Left LA Louisiana LABRDR Labrador LAPS Local Analysis and

Prediction System

LAMP Local AWIPS MOS

Program

LAST Last observation

before a break in coverage at a

manual station LAT Latitude LAWRS Limited aviation

weather reporting

station LCL Local or Lifted

condensation level LCLY Locally LCTD Located LCTN Location LCTMP Little change in

temperature LDG Landing LEVEL Level LFM Limited fine mesh

model LFTG Lifting LGRNG Long-range LGT Light LGTR Lighter LGWV Long wave LI Lifted Index

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-9

Appendix A

LIFR Low instrument

flight rules LIS Lifted Indices LK Lake LKS Lakes LKLY Likely LLJ Low level jet LLWAS Low-level wind

shear alert system LLWS Low-level wind

shear LMTD Limited LMTG Limiting LMTS Limits LN Line LNS LInes LO Low LONG Longitude LONGL Longitudinal LRG Large LRGLY Largely LRGR Larger LRGST Largest LST Local standard time LTD Limited LTG Lightning LTGCA Lightning cloud-to-

air LTGCC Lightning cloud-to-

cloud LTGCG Lightning cloud-to-

ground LTGCCCG Lightning cloud-to-

cloud cloud-to-

ground LTGCW Lightning cloud-to-

water LTGIC Lightning in cloud LTL Little LTLCG Little change LTR Later LTST Latest LV Leaving

LVL Level LVLS Levels LWR Lower LWRD Lowered LWRG Lowering LYR Layer LYRD Layered LYRS Layers M Minus or Less than

lowest sensor value MA Massachusetts MAN Manitoba MAX Maximum MB Millibars MCD Mesoscale discus-

sion MD Maryland MDFY Modify MDFYD Modified MDFYG Modifying MDL Model MDLS Models MDT Moderate MDTLY Moderately ME Maine MED Medium MEGG Merging MESO Mesoscale MET Meteorological METAR Aviation Routine

Weather Report METRO Metropolitan MEX Mexico MHKVLY Mohawk Valley MI Michigan , shallow,

or mile MID Middle MIDN Midnight MIL Military MIN Minimum MIFG Shallow fog MISG Missing

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-10

Appendix A

MLTLVL Melting level MN Minnesota MNLD Mainland MNLY Mainly MO Missouri MOD Moderate MOGR Moderate or greater MOS Model Output

Statistics MOV Move MOVD Moved MOVG Moving MOVMT Movement MOVS Moves MPH Miles per hour MRGL Marginal MRGLLY Marginally MRNG Morning MRTM Maritime MS Mississippi MSG Message MSL Mean sea level MST Most MSTLY Mostly MSTR Moisture MT Montana MTN Mountain MTNS Mountains MULT Multiple MULTILVL Multilevel MVFR Marginal visual

flight rules MWO Meteorological

Watch Office MX Mixed (character-

ized as a combina-

tion of clear and

rime ice MXD Mixed N North N/A Not applicable NAB Not above NAT North Atlantic

NATL National NAV Navigation NAVAID Electronic naviga-

tion aid facility (limited to VOR or VORTAC for

PIREPs) NB New Brunswick NBND Northbound NBRHD Neighborhood NC North Carolina NCDC National Climatic

Data Center NCEP National Center of

Environmental

Prediction NCO NCEP Central

Operations NCWX No change in

weather ND North Dakota NE Northeast NEB Nebraska NEC Necessary NEG Negative NEGLY Negatively NELY Northeasterly NERN Northeastern NEWD Northeastward NEW ENG New England NFLD Newfoundland NGM Nested grid model NGT Night NH New Hampshire NHC National Hurricane

Center NIL None NJ New Jersey NL No layers NLT Not later than NLY Northerly NM New Mexico NMBR Number NMBRS Numbers

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-11

Appendix A

NMC National

Meteorological

Center NML Normal NMRS Numerous NNE North-northeast NNELY North-northeasterly NNERN North-northeastern NNEWD North-northeast-

ward NNW North-northwest NNWLY North-northwesterly NNWRN North-northwestern NNWWD North-northwest-

ward NNNN End of message NOAA National Oceanic

and Atmospheric

Administration NOPAC Northern Pacific NOS National Ocean

Service NOSPECI No SPECI reports

are taken at station NPRS Nonpersistent NR Near NRLY Nearly NRN Northern NRW Narrow NS Nova Scotia NSC No significant cloud NSW No significant

weather NTFY Notify NTFYD Notified NV Nevada NVA Negative vorticity

advection NW Northwest NWD Northward NWLY Northwesterly NWRN Northwestern NWS National Weather

Service

NY New York NXT Next OAT Outside air temper -

ature OBND Outbound OBS Observation OBSC Obscure OBSCD Obscured OBSCG Obscuring OCFNT Occluded front OCLD Occlude OCLDS Occludes OCLDD Occluded OCLDG Occluding OCLN Occlusion OCNL Occasional OCNLY Occasionally OCR Occur OCRD Occurred OCRG Occurring OCRS Occurs OFC Office OFCM Office of the

Federal Coordinator

for Meteorology OFP Occluded frontal

passage OFSHR Offshore OH Ohio OHD Overhead OK Oklahoma OMTNS Over mountains ONSHR On shore OR Oregon ORGPHC Orographic ORIG Original OSV Ocean station

vessel OTLK Outlook OTP On top OTR Other OTRW Otherwise

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-12

Appendix A

OUTFLO Outflow OV Over OVC Overcast OVHD Overhead OVNGT Overnight OVR Over OVRN Overrun OVRNG Overrunning OVTK Overtake OVTKG Overtaking OVTKS Overtakes P Higher than greatest

sensor value

P6SM Visibility forecast to

be greater than 6

statute miles PA Pennsylvania PAC Pacific PATWAS Pilot's automatic

telephone weather

answering service PBL Planetary boundary

layer PCPN Precipitation PD Period PDS Periods PDMT Predominant PE Ice pellets PEN Peninsula PERM Permanent PGTSND Puget Sound PHYS Physical PIBAL Pilot balloon obser-

vation PIREP Pilot weather report PK WND Peak wind PL Ice pellets PLNS Plains PLS Please PLTO Plateau PM Postmeridian PNHDL Panhandle

PNO Precipitation amount

not available PO Dust/ sand swirls POS Positive POSLY Positively PPINA Radar weather

report not available PPINE Radar weather

report no echoes

observed PPSN Present position PR Partial PRBL Probable PRBLY Probably PRBLTY Probability PRECD Precede PRECDD Preceded PRECDG Preceding PRECDS Precedes PRES Pressure PRESFR Pressure falling

rapidly PRESRR Pressure rising

rapidly PRFG Partial fog PRIM Primary PRIN Principal PRIND Present indications

are... PRJMP Pressure jump PROB Probability PROBC C Forecaster’s

assessment of the

probability of occur-

rence of a thunder-

storm or precipita-

tion event, along

with associated

weather elements

(wind, visibility,

and/or sky condi-

tion) whose occur-

rences are directly

related to, and con-

temporaneous with,

the thunderstorm or

precipitation event

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-13

Appendix A

PROC Procedure PROD Produce PRODG Producing PROG Forecast PROGD Forecasted PROGS Forecasts PRSNT Present PRSNTLY Presently PRST Persist PRSTS Persists PRSTNC Persistence PRSTNT Persistent PRVD Provide PRVDD Provided PRVDG Providing PRVDS Provides PS Plus PSBL Possible PSBLY Possibly PSBLTY Possibility PSG Passage PSN Position PSND Positioned PTCHY Patchy PTLY Partly PTNL Potential PTNLY Potentially PTNS Portions PUGET Puget Sound PVA Positive vorticity

advection PVL Prevail PVLD Prevailed PVLG Prevailing PVLS Prevails PVLT Prevalent PWB Pilot weather

briefing PWINO Precipitation identi-

fier sensor not avail-

able PWR Power

PY Spray QN Question QPFERD NCEP excessive

rainfall discussion

QPFHSD NCEP heavy snow

discussion

QPFSPD NCEP special

precipitation discus-

sion QSTNRY Quasistationary QTR Quarter QUAD Quadrant QUE Quebec R Right (with reference

to runway designa-

tion) or rain RA Rain (METAR) RADAT Radiosonde addi-

tional data RAOB Radiosonde obser-

vation RCA Reach Cruising

Altitude RCH Reach RCHD Reached RCHG Reaching RCHS Reaches RCKY Rocky RCKYS Rockies RCMD Recommend RCMDD Recommended RCMDG Recommending RCMDS Recommends RCRD Record RCRDS Records RCV Receive RCVD Received RCVG Receiving RCVS Receives RDC Reduce RDGG Ridging RDR Radar RDVLP Redevelop RDVLPG Redeveloping

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-14

Appendix A

RDVLPMT Redevelopment RE Regard RECON Reconnaissance REF Reference RES Reserve REPL Replace REPLD Replaced REPLG Replacing REPLS Replaces REQ Request REQS Requests REQSTD Requested RESP Response RESTR Restrict RGD Ragged RGL Regional model RGLR Regular RGN Region RGNS Regions RGT Right RH Relative humidity RHINO RHI not operative RI Rhode Island RIME Type of icing char-

acterized by a rough, milky, opaque

appearance RIOGD Rio Grande RLBL Reliable RLTV Relative RLTVLY Relatively RM Remarks RMK Remark RMN Remain RMND Remained RMNDR Remainder RMNG Remaining RMNS Remains RNFL Rainfall RNG Range ROT Rotate ROTD Rotated

ROTG Rotating ROTS Rotates RPD Rapid RPDLY Rapidly RPLC Replace RPLCD Replaced RPLCG Replacing RPLCS Replaces RPRT Report RPRTD Reported RPRTG Reporting RPRTS Reports RPT Repeat RPTG Repeating RPTS Repeats RQR Require RQRD Required RQRG Requiring RQRS Requires RRx Code used in the

WMO abbreviated heading to indicate a delayed forecast, where x is the letter

A through X RS Receiver station RSG Rising RSN Reason RSNG Reasoning RSNS Reasons RSTR Restrict RSTRD Restricted RSTRG Restricting RSTRS Restricts RTRN Return RTRND Returned RTRNG Returning RTRNS Returns RUC Rapid Update Cycle RUF Rough RUFLY Roughly RVR Runway Visual

Range

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-15

Appendix A

RVRNO RVR system not

available RVS Revise RVSD Revised RVSG Revising RVSS Revises RW Rain shower RWY Runway RY Runway S South SA Sand (METAR) SAB Satellite Analysis

Branch SAO Surface observation SASK Saskatchewan SATFY Satisfactory SBND Southbound SBSD Subside SBSDD Subsided SBSDNC Subsidence SBSDS Subsides SC South Carolina or

stratocumulus SCND Second SCNDRY Secondary SCSL Stratocumulus

standing lenticular SCT Scatter or Scattered

(describing cloud

cover or weather

phenomena, 3 to 4

octas cloud amount SCTD Scattered SCTR Sector SD South Dakota SE Southeast SEC Second SELY Southeasterly SEPN Separation SEQ Sequence SERN Southeastern SEV Severe SEWD Southeastward

SFC Surface SFERICS Atmospherics SG Snow grains SGFNT Significant SGFNTLY Significantly SH Showers SHFT Shift SHFTD Shifted SHFTG Shifting SHFTS Shifts SHLD Shield SHLW Shallow SHRT Short SHRTLY Shortly SHRTWV Shortwave SHUD Should SHWR Shower SIERNEV Sierra Nevada SIG Signature SIGMET Significant meteoro-

logical information SIMUL Simultaneous SK Sky cover SKC Sky clear SKED Schedule SLD Solid SLGT Slight SLGTLY Slightly SLO Slow SLOLY Slowly SLOR Slower SLP Slope or sea level

pressure SLPG Sloping SLPNO Sea-level pressure

not available SLT Sleet SLW Slow SLY Southerly SM Statute mile SMK Smoke SML Small

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-16

Appendix A

SMLR Smaller SMRY Summary SMS Sunchronous mete-

orological satellite SMTH Smooth SMTHR Smoother SMTHST Smoothest SMTM Sometime SMWHT Somewhat SN Snow SNBNK Snowbank SND Sand SNFLK Snowflake SNGL Single SNOINCR Snow increase SNOINCRG Snow increasing SNST Sunset SNW Snow SNWFL Snowfall SOP Standard operating

procedure SP Snow pellets SPC Storm Prediction

Center SPCLY Especially SPD Speed SPECI Special observation SPENES Satellite precip.

estimate statement SPKL Sprinkle SPLNS Southern Plains SPRD Spread SPRDG Spreading SPRDS Spreads SPRL Spiral SQ Squall SQAL Squall SQLN Squall line SR Sunrise SRN Southern SRND Surround SRNDD Surrounded

SRNDG Surrounding SRNDS Surrounds SS Sunset or sand

storm (METAR) SSE South-southeast SSELY South-southeasterly SSERN South-southeastern SSEWD South-southeastward SSW South-southwest SSWLY South-southwesterly SSWRN South-southwestern SSWWD South-southwest-

ward ST Stratus STAGN Stagnation STBL Stable STBLTY Stability STD Standard STDY Steady STFR Stratus fractus STFRM Stratiform STG Strong STGLY Strongly STGR Stronger STGST Strongest STLT Satellite STM Storm STMS Storms STN Station STNRY Stationary SUB Substitute SUBTRPCL Subtropical SUF Sufficient SUFLY Sufficiently SUG Suggest SUGG Suggesting SUGS Suggests SUP Supply SUPG Supplying SUPR Superior SUPSD Supersede SUPSDG Superseding

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-17

Appendix A

SUPSDS Supersedes SVG Serving SVR Severe SVRL Several SW Southwest SW- Light snow shower SW+ Heavy snow shower SWD Southward SWLG Swelling SWLY Southwesterly SWODY1 SPC Severe

Weather Outlook for Day 1

SWOMCD SPC Mesoscale

discussion SWRN Southwestern SWWD Southwestward SX Stability index SXN Section SYNOP Synoptic SYNS Synopsis SYS System T Thunder TA Temperature TACAN UHF Tactical Air

Navigation Aid TAF Terminal Area

Forecast TB Turbulence TCNTL Transcontinental TCU Towering cumulus TDA Today TEI Text element indi-

cator TEMP Temperature TEMPO Temporary THD Thunderhead THDR Thunder THK Thick THKNG Thickening THKNS Thickness THKR Thicker THKST Thickest

THN Thin THNG Thinning THNR Thinner THNST Thinnest THR Threshold THRFTR Thereafter THRU Through THRUT Throughout THSD Thousand THTN Threaten THTND Threatened THTNG Threatening THTNS Threatens TIL Until TKOF Takeoff TM Time TMPRY Temporary TMPRYLY Temporarily TMW Tomorrow TN Tennessee TNDCY Tendency TNDCYS Tendencies TNGT Tonight TNTV Tentative TNTVLY Tentatively TOC Top of Climb TOP Top of Clouds TOPS Tops TOVC Top of overcast TP Type of aircraft TPG Topping TRBL Trouble TRIB Tributary TRKG Tracking TRML Terminal TRMT Terminate TRMTD Terminated TRMTG Terminating TRMTS Terminates TRNSP Transport TRNSPG Transporting

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-18

Appendix A

TROF Trough TROFS Troughs TROP Tropopause TRPCD Tropical continental

air mass TRPCL Tropical TRRN Terrain TRSN Transition TRW Thunderstorm TRW+ Thunderstorm with

heavy rain shower TS Thunderstorm

(METAR) TS + Thunderstorm with

heavy snow TSFR Transfer TSFRD Transferred TSFRG Transferring TSFRS Transfers TSHWR Thundershower TSNO Thunderstorm infor-

mation not available TSNT Transient TSQLS Thundersquall TSTM Thunderstorm TSW Thunderstorm with

snow showers TSW+ Thunderstorm with

heavy snow showers TURBC Turbulence TURBT Turbulent TWD Toward TWDS Towards TWI Twilight TWR Tower TWRG Towering TX Texas UA Pilot weather reports UDDF Up- and downdrafts UN Unable UNAVBL Unavailable UNEC Unnecessary UNKN Unknown

UNL Unlimited UNRELBL Unreliable UNRSTD Unrestricted UNSATFY Unsatisfactory UNSBL Unseasonable UNSTBL Unstable UNSTDY Unsteady UNSTL Unsettle UNSTLD Unsettled UNUSBL Unusable UP Unknown precipita-

tion (used only by automated sites incapable of discrimi-

nation) UPDFTS Updrafts UPR Upper UPSLP Upslope UPSTRM Upstream URG Urgent USBL Usable UT Utah UTC Universal Time

Coordinate UUA Urgent PIREP

Weather Reports UVV Upward vertical

velocity UWNDS Upper winds V Varies VA Virginia or Volcanic

Ash VAAC Volcanic Ash

Advisory Center VAAS Volcanic Ash

Advisory Statement VAD Velocity azimuth

display VAL Valley VARN Variation VC Vicinity VCNTY Vicinity VCOT VFR conditions on

top

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-19

Appendix A

VCTR Vector VCTS Thunderstorms in

the vicinity

VDUC VAS Data Utilization

Center (NSSFC) VFR Visual flight rules VFY Verify VFYD Verified VFYG Verifying VFYS Verifies VHF Very High Frequency VIS Visibility VSNO Visibility at second-

ary location not avail-

able VLCTY Velocity VLCTYS Velocities VLNT Violent VLNTLY Violently VLY Valley VMC Visual meteorolog-

ical conditions VOL Volume VOR VHF

Omnidirectional

Radio Range VORT Vorticity VORTAC VOR and TACAN

combination VR Veer VRB Variable VRG Veering VRBL Variable VRISL Vancouver Island,BC VRS Veers VRT MOTN Vertical motion VRY Very VSB Visible VSBY Visibility VSBYDR Visibility decreasing

rapidly VSBYIR Visibility increasing

rapidly VT Vermont

VV Vertical velocity or

vertical visibility VWP VAD Wind profiler W West WA Washington WAA Warm air advection WAFS Word Area Forecast

System WBND Westbound WDLY Widely WDSPRD Widespread WEA Weather WFO Weather Forecast

Office WFSO Weather Forecast

Service Office WFP Warm front passage WI Wisconsin WIBIS Will be issued WINT Winter WK Weak WKDAY Weekday WKEND Weekend WKNG Weakening WKNS Weakens WKR Weaker WKST Weakest WKN Weaken WL Will WLY Westerly WMO World Meteorological

Organization WND Wind WNDS Winds WNW West-northwest WNWLY West-northwesterly WNWRN West-northwestern WNWWD West-northwest-

ward WO Without WPLTO Western Plateau WRM Warm WRMG Warming

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-20

Appendix A

WRMR Warmer WRMST Warmest WRMFNT Warm front WRMFNTL Warm frontal WRN Western WRNG Warning WRS Worse WS Wind shear WSHFT Windshift WSFO Weather Service

Forecast Office

WSO Weather service

office

WSR-88D NWS Doppler

Radar WSTCH Wasatch Range WSW West-southwest WSWLY West-southwesterly WSWRN West-southwestern WSWWD West-southwest-

ward WTR Water WTSPT Waterspout WUD Would WV West Virginia or wind WVS Waves WW Severe weather

watch WWAMKC SPC status report WWD Westward WWS Severe weather

watches WX Weather WY Wyoming XCP Except XPC Expect XPCD Expected XPCG Expecting XPCS Expects XPLOS Explosive XTND Extend XTNDD Extended XTNDG Extending

XTRM Extreme XTRMLY Extremely YDA Yesterday YKN Yukon YLSTN Yellowstone Z Zulu time ZL Freezing drizzle ZN Zone ZNS Zones ZR Freezing rain

Rev 1 Oct. 2003

A-21

Appendix A