How to Read METAR: A Guide for Drone Pilots—with Examples

Knowing how to read a METAR report is an essential skill for all drone pilots.

Here’s what a METAR looks like:

KSFO 181956Z 30015KT 10SM FEW025 SCT035 BKN050 18/12 A3015 RMK AO2 SLP210

METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report. It’s an aviation routine weather report that provides a concise summary of current weather conditions at a specific location—typically an airport or weather station.

• Commercial drone pilots flying under the FAA’s Part 107 rules must know how to read METAR reports because they’re required to do pre-flight weather checks.
• Recreational drone pilots should also know how to read METAR reports because understanding the conditions that could affect your flight—like wind speed, visibility, and cloud cover—is key to maintaining safety.

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The goal of this guide is to provide a clear, easy-to-follow METAR decoder specifically for drone pilots.

We’ll break down each part of a METAR report, show you how to interpret the information, and explain how to apply it to your flight planning.

This guide is written for commercial drone pilots operating under Part 107, hobbyists, and professionals who want to better understand weather impacts on drone operations. Whether you’re new to METAR reading or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll find everything you need right here.

Here’s everything we cover in this guide to METARs:

• What Is a METAR Report?
• Why Drone Pilots Should Know How to Read a METAR
• How to Read METAR: A Simple Breakdown
• Common METAR Abbreviations & Codes
• Interpreting METAR Data for Drone Operations
• Advanced METAR Reading Tips
• METAR Examples: Practice Reading Real Reports
• Where to Find METAR Reports
• How to Read METAR FAQ

What Is a METAR Report?

A METAR is an aviation weather report that provides a snapshot of current weather conditions at a specific location.

It includes key information like wind speed and direction, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, and more. In simple terms, a METAR report gives you a quick overview of whether it’s safe to fly from a weather perspective.

While METAR reports were originally created for crewed aviation, they’ve become an essential tool for drone pilots as well.

METAR reports are issued by official weather authorities, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the U.S., and equivalent national agencies around the world. These reports follow a global standard, making them a trusted source for aviation weather, whether you’re flying a commercial jet or a drone.

Most METAR reports are updated once an hour, but they can also be issued more frequently when weather conditions change rapidly. This regular update schedule helps ensure that pilots—both crewed and uncrewed—have access to the most current weather data before taking off.

Whether you’re flying under Part 107 or recreationally, understanding METAR data can help you plan safer flights and avoid weather-related risks. In fact, many flight planning apps and drone platforms now include METAR examples or built-in METAR decoders to help pilots interpret this critical information.

Why Drone Pilots Should Know How to Read a METAR

If you’re flying commercially under the Part 107 rules, checking the weather before each flight isn’t just a good idea—it’s required.

According to the Part 107, drone pilots must assess weather conditions to ensure a safe operation. And knowing how to read a METAR report is one of the most reliable ways to do this, because it gives you an official summary of current conditions right from aviation weather services.

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Even for recreational drone pilots, checking the weather is a critical step in flight planning. A quick look at a METAR can tell you if visibility is good enough for safe flying, if cloud ceilings are too low, or if winds are likely to exceed your drone’s limits.

Weather-related incidents are one of the most common causes of drone crashes and lost aircraft. Reading a METAR report helps you avoid unsafe conditions before you even power on your drone.

By understanding key factors like wind speed, visibility, and cloud cover, you can make informed decisions about whether to fly—and what precautions to take if you do.

How to Read METAR: A Simple Breakdown

At first glance, a METAR report can look like a jumble of letters and numbers.

But once you know how to read a METAR, you’ll see it’s actually a highly efficient way to communicate weather information. Each section of a METAR report follows a standard format, providing everything you need to know about current conditions at a glance.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s included in a typical METAR report, and how to read each part:

Station Identifier

This is a four-letter code that identifies the reporting station, usually an airport. In the U.S., these start with a “K” (for example, KMIA is Miami International Airport).

Date/Time of Report (UTC)

The date and time the report was issued, shown in day/hour/minute Zulu (UTC) time. For example, 151753Z means the 15th day of the month at 17:53 UTC.

Wind Speed and Direction

Shows the wind’s direction (in degrees) and speed (in knots). For example, 18012KT means winds from 180° (south) at 12 knots.

Visibility

Reported in statute miles. For example, 10SM means 10 statute miles visibility.

Sky Condition (cloud cover and ceiling)

Describes cloud coverage and altitude. Common codes include FEW (few), SCT (scattered), BKN (broken), and OVC (overcast), followed by the cloud height in hundreds of feet. For example, BKN020 means broken clouds at 2,000 feet.

Temperature and Dew Point

Temperature and dew point, separated by a slash. For example, 25/18 means a temperature of 25°C and a dew point of 18°C.

Altimeter Setting (Pressure)

Current atmospheric pressure, reported in inches of mercury (inHg) in the U.S. For example, A2992 means 29.92 inHg.

Remarks section (RMK)

Additional weather details or special notes. This can include everything from sea-level pressure to lightning reports.

Example METAR Report

Now let’s put all these pieces together. Here’s an example of a full METAR report:

KMIA 151753Z 18012KT 10SM BKN020 25/18 A2992 RMK AO2 SLP134

METAR Decoder: Breaking It Down

• KMIA—Miami International Airport
• 151753Z—Report issued on the 15th at 17:53 UTC
• 18012KT—Winds from 180° at 12 knots
• 10SM—Visibility 10 statute miles
• BKN020—Broken clouds at 2,000 feet
• 25/18—Temperature 25°C, dew point 18°C
• A2992—Altimeter setting 29.92 inHg
• RMK AO2 SLP134—Remarks: automated station with precipitation sensor; sea-level pressure 1013.4 mb

Common METAR Abbreviations & Codes

If you’re new to METAR reading, the abbreviations and codes might look a little intimidating at first.

But once you get familiar with the most common ones, you’ll be able to scan a METAR report and pull out key details in seconds.

This quick METAR decoder will help you understand the terms you’re most likely to see as a drone pilot:

Sky Conditions

• SKC—Sky clear
• FEW—Few clouds (0–2 oktas)
• SCT—Scattered clouds (3–4 oktas)
• BKN—Broken clouds (5–7 oktas)
• OVC—Overcast (8 oktas)

Weather Phenomena

• RA—Rain
• SN—Snow
• BR—Mist
• FG—Fog
• TS—Thunderstorm
• HZ—Haze

Modifiers

• – —Light (e.g., -RA means light rain)
• + —Heavy (e.g., +SN means heavy snow)
• VC—In the vicinity (e.g., VCTS means thunderstorm nearby)

Visibility

• 10SM—10 statute miles (maximum visibility typically reported in U.S. METARs)
• Less than 10SM—Reduced visibility (important for Part 107 compliance)

Wind

• VRB—Variable wind direction
• G—Gusts (e.g., 18012G20KT = winds from 180° at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots)

Temperature/Dew Point

• M—Minus (negative temperatures), e.g., M05 = -5°C

Other Useful Codes

• RMK—Remarks section (additional details)
• A####—Altimeter setting in inches of mercury (e.g., A2992 = 29.92 inHg)

If you’d like to dive deeper, both the FAA and the National Weather Service publish more complete METAR decoder charts with every possible abbreviation.

But for most drone operations, this list will cover what you’re likely to see in everyday METAR reports.

• FAA METAR decoder chart
• National Weather Service METAR decoder chart

Interpreting METAR Data for Drone Operations

Knowing how to read a METAR report is one thing. But knowing how to apply that information to your flight planning is where it really counts.

For drone pilots, a METAR decoder gives you insights that can directly affect whether you can safely fly, and what precautions you should take.

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Here’s how to interpret key elements of a METAR report for drone operations:

Wind

Wind speed is one of the biggest factors that can affect drone flights.

When reading a METAR report, pay close attention to both the sustained wind speed and any gusts. Compare these numbers to your drone’s published maximum wind tolerance. For example, if your drone is rated for 22 mph winds and the METAR shows winds gusting to 25 knots (about 29 mph), it’s probably best to delay your flight.

Visibility

Under FAA Part 107 rules, drone pilots must maintain at least 3 statute miles (SM) of visibility during operations.

The visibility portion of the METAR tells you exactly what’s being reported on the ground. If visibility is reported as 2SM, that’s a no-go for Part 107 flights.

Cloud Ceiling

Ceiling refers to the lowest layer of clouds reported as broken or overcast.

Since Part 107 requires drone pilots to fly no higher than 400 feet above ground level (AGL), you need to make sure the ceiling allows for safe vertical separation. If the ceiling is reported at 500 feet AGL, flying at 400 feet would leave very little margin.

Temperature and Dew Point

Extreme temperatures can affect drone battery life and performance.

A big spread between temperature and dew point can indicate potential fog or mist. If the two numbers are close together—say, 20°C/19°C—conditions could quickly change, leading to reduced visibility. Reading this part of a METAR can help you anticipate risks before launch.

Here’s a practical example: Say you’re preparing for a commercial mapping mission and you pull up the latest METAR report.

Winds look borderline, visibility is excellent, but the ceiling is low due to a morning marine layer. Knowing how to read METAR reports lets you postpone the flight for a few hours when the ceiling improves—avoiding wasted time and reducing the risk of an incident.

For drone pilots, understanding these core elements of a METAR report supports safer decision-making and helps meet FAA Part 107 requirements for weather assessments before every flight.

Advanced METAR Reading Tips

Once you’ve learned how to read METAR basics, there are a few more details that can help deepen your understanding and improve flight planning.

These tips aren’t just for weather geeks—they’re useful tools for any drone pilot who wants to fly smarter.

What Does “60,000” Mean in a METAR?

You might sometimes see a code like VV/// or 9999 or 60000 in a METAR report.

In the context of cloud heights, “60000” means there are clouds at or above 60,000 feet. For drone pilots, this usually isn’t actionable—no drone is going that high—but it’s helpful to know the code indicates very high cirrus or other upper-level clouds, which generally won’t affect your operation.

Understanding the RMK Section

The RMK (Remarks) section can look like an afterthought, but it often contains extra details.

You might find sea-level pressure, types of precipitation, lightning activity, or automated sensor notes here. For example: RMK AO2 SLP134 tells you the station is automated and provides sea-level pressure.

Using TAFs Alongside METARs

A METAR report gives you current conditions, but for future planning, Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) are incredibly useful.

A TAF predicts weather at an airport over the next 24–30 hours. Combining METAR reading with a quick look at the latest TAF can help you plan for changing conditions later in the day—especially important for longer missions or scheduling multiple flights.

Tips for Smarter METAR Reading

• Check timing. Most METARs update hourly—be sure you’re looking at the latest report before flying.
• Compare sources. Cross-reference the METAR report with your drone app’s weather tools or other aviation weather resources.
• Monitor changes. If conditions are borderline, refresh the METAR closer to your launch time. Weather can shift quickly.
• Practice. The more METAR reports you read, the faster you’ll get at spotting key details that matter for your flights.

METAR Examples: Practice Reading Real Reports

The best way to get comfortable with METAR reading is to practice on real examples.

Below, you’ll find a few sample METAR reports with full decoding. As you read through them, think about what each one would mean for your drone operations. Would you fly today? What precautions might you take?

Example 1: Ideal Conditions

KMIA 151753Z 09006KT 10SM SKC 28/20 A3000 RMK AO2

Decoded:

• Station: Miami International Airport (KMIA)
• Issued: 15th of the month at 17:53 UTC
• Winds: From 90° at 6 knots
• Visibility: 10 statute miles
• Sky: Clear (sky clear – SKC)
• Temperature: 28°C
• Dew Point: 20°C
• Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
• Remarks: Automated station with precipitation sensor

Would you fly? Absolutely. Great visibility, low winds, clear skies—an excellent day for drone operations.

Example 2: Marginal Winds

KDEN 091753Z 27018G28KT 8SM BKN040 15/10 A2990 RMK AO2

Decoded:

• Station: Denver International Airport (KDEN)
• Issued: 9th of the month at 17:53 UTC
• Winds: From 270° at 18 knots, gusting to 28 knots
• Visibility: 8 statute miles
• Sky: Broken clouds at 4,000 feet
• Temperature: 15°C
• Dew Point: 10°C
• Altimeter: 29.90 inHg

Would you fly? Maybe not. Gusty winds pushing 28 knots could exceed many drones’ tolerances. You’d want to check your drone’s wind rating and use caution.

Example 3: Low Ceiling

KBOS 211653Z 15010KT 5SM OVC006 12/11 A2988 RMK AO2

Decoded:

• Station: Boston Logan International Airport (KBOS)
• Issued: 21st of the month at 16:53 UTC
• Winds: From 150° at 10 knots
• Visibility: 5 statute miles
• Sky: Overcast at 600 feet
• Temperature: 12°C
• Dew Point: 11°C
• Altimeter: 29.88 inHg

Would you fly? No. A ceiling of 600 feet doesn’t leave safe separation for flights at 400 feet AGL. Better to wait for improved conditions.

Example 4: Visibility Concern

KSEA 081853Z 18005KT 2SM BR SCT010 BKN025 09/08 A3012 RMK AO2

Decoded:

• Station: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA)
• Issued: 8th of the month at 18:53 UTC
• Winds: From 180° at 5 knots
• Visibility: 2 statute miles
• Sky: Scattered clouds at 1,000 feet, broken clouds at 2,500 feet
• Temperature: 9°C
• Dew Point: 8°C
• Altimeter: 30.12 inHg

Would you fly? No. Part 107 requires 3 statute miles visibility. At 2SM, this flight would not be compliant.

The more METAR examples you read, the easier it becomes to quickly assess conditions and make smart go/no-go decisions. With practice, using a METAR decoder will become second nature—and an essential part of your pre-flight routine.

Where to Find METAR Reports

Knowing how to read METAR reports is only half the equation—you also need to know where to find them quickly and reliably as part of your pre-flight planning.

Fortunately, there are plenty of easy-to-access options for drone pilots today.

Online Sources for METAR Reports

You can pull up live METAR reports straight from official aviation weather services. Some of the best online resources include:

• NOAA Aviation Weather Center. A trusted source for up-to-date METAR reports in the U.S.
• NOAA METARs page. Direct METAR report lookups by station ID.
• METAR-TAF.com. Simple, mobile-friendly METAR decoder and display for global stations.
• ForeFlight. Subscription app with reliable METAR/TAF integration.

Drone Flight Apps That Pull METAR Data

Many modern drone flight planning tools now integrate METAR data automatically:

• Aloft—Live airspace and weather awareness, including METAR-based weather info.
• DroneDeploy—Weather layers often include visibility, wind, and cloud data sourced from METARs.

While these apps often show summarized data, it’s still valuable to know how to access and decode the full METAR report when you need more detail.

Tips for Smarter Pre-Flight Checks

• Bookmark key METAR report sites so you can check from desktop or mobile in seconds.
• Use apps like ForeFlight, Aloft, or DroneDeploy to pull in live weather with your flight plan.
• Consider automating your pre-flight workflow: many flight apps allow you to save checklists or set weather alerts based on METAR updates.
• Always confirm you’re reading the latest METAR report—these typically update hourly.

How to Read METAR FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about how to read METAR reports for drone operations.

How do you interpret a METAR?

To interpret a METAR report, you break it down section by section—looking at wind speed and direction, visibility, sky conditions, temperature, and other key details. Once you know what each part of the METAR means, you can quickly assess current weather conditions and decide if it’s safe to fly your drone.

How do you decode a METAR report?

Decoding a METAR report involves reading each segment of the report using a METAR decoder or reference guide. Each abbreviation and number follows a global standard, so once you understand the structure, decoding a METAR becomes quick and easy—making it a valuable tool for drone pilots planning flights.

What does 60,000 mean in a METAR?

When you see “60000” or “CB060” in a METAR, it refers to cloud heights—in this case, clouds at or above 60,000 feet. For drone pilots, this typically indicates very high cirrus or cumulonimbus clouds that won’t directly affect most drone operations, but it’s still useful to understand.

What is the difference between METAR and TAF?

A METAR report provides a snapshot of current weather conditions, updated hourly. A TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) is a forecast that predicts weather for the next 24 to 30 hours. Drone pilots often use both: METARs for current go/no-go decisions and TAFs for planning flights later in the day.

How often are METAR reports updated?

Most METAR reports are updated once per hour, but special reports (called SPECI) can be issued anytime if weather conditions change significantly. That’s why it’s smart to always check the timestamp to make sure you’re using the latest METAR reading.

Do drone pilots need to know how to read METAR reports?

Yes—under FAA Part 107, drone pilots are required to check weather before flight, and METAR reports are one of the best tools for doing so. Even for hobbyists, learning how to read METAR reports helps you avoid unsafe conditions and make better flight decisions.

Where can I find METAR reports online?

You can find METAR reports through trusted sources like the Aviation Weather Center, METAR-TAF.com, and aviation apps like ForeFlight. Many drone flight planning tools also pull METAR data, but it’s helpful to know how to access the full METAR report when needed.