What does "METAR" stand for in aviation?

"METAR" stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report. In aviation, a METAR is an aviation routine weather report that provides essential information about current weather conditions at an airport or aerodrome. These reports typically include data such as temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction, visibility, and significant weather phenomena. They are issued at regular intervals and are crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers during flight planning and operation, ensuring safety and efficiency.

The importance of METARs lies in their ability to give a standardized and concise summary of weather conditions, which is vital for safe flying. Pilots rely on these reports to make informed decisions regarding takeoff, landing, and in-flight operations.