METAR and TAF Reports Weather Identifiers: B - Began FC, +FC Funnel HZ Haze SA Sand BC Patches , IC Crystals SG Grains BL Blowing Well-Developed MI Shallow SH Showers BR Funnel Cloud PE SN Snow DR Low Drifting Tornado or PO Well-Developed SQ Moderate DS Waterspout Dust/Sand Whirls SS Sandstorm DU Dust FG PR Partial TS DZ FU Smoke PY Spray UP Unknown E - Ended FZ Freezing RA GR (>5mm) VA Volcanic Ash GS Small Hail / Snow VC In the Vicinity Pellets (<5mm) Modifiers: - Light + Heavy P More than M Less than B Began E Ended Sky Conditions: BKN – Broken cloud layer 5/8ths to 7/8ths OVC – Overcast cloud layer 8/8ths coverage CB – Cumulonimbus SCT – Scattered cloud layer 3/8ths to 4/8ths CLR – Sky clear at or below 12,000AGL SKC – Sky Clear FEW – Few cloud layer 0/8ths to 2/8ths TCU – Towering Cumulus Other: A01 – Automated Observation without PROB40 – Probability of 40% precipitation discrimination R04 – 4 A02 – Automated Observation with RMK – Remarks precipitation discrimination RWY – Runway A3000 – setting 30.00” RVRNO – Runway Visual Range not available AMD – Amended forecast SFC VIS – Surface AUTO – without human editing SLP – Sea Level , add 10 to numbers BECMG – Becoming… BECMG 0002 = given becoming 00 to 02 Zulu SLPNO – Sea Level Pressure not available CAVU – Ceiling and visibility unlimited SM – Statute miles COR – Correction SPECI – Special Report DSNT – Distant weather phenomenon TEMPO – Temporarily… TEMPO 0002 = FM – From… FM0200 = from 0200 Zulu Temporarily 00 to 02 Zulu FROPA – Frontal Passage T02560179 – 25.6 17.9 LDG – Landing TWR VIS – Tower Visibility M – Minus, below zero, “less than” V – Varying NO – Not available VRB – Variable NSW – No significant weather VRB VIS – Variable Visibility P6SM – Plus 6 Statute Miles, greater than, VV – Vertical Visibility, indefinite ceiling “more than” WS – shear PK WND – Peak Wind WSHFT - Wind shift PRESFR/PRESRR – Pressure Falling or Rising Rapidly Encoded Groups: Area Forecast Weather Reports A GEOREF - Geographical RLBL - Reliable AAF - Army Air Field reference REPL - Replace AAL - above aerodrome level GF - Ground fog REPLD - Replaced AATM - at all times GICG - Glaze icing REPLG - Replacing ABD – aboard GLFALSK - Gulf of Alaska REPLS - Replaces ABNDT - abundant GLFCAL - Gulf of California REQ - Request ABNML - abnormal GLFMEX - Gulf of Mexico REQS - Requests ABT - about GLFSTLAWR - Gulf of St. REQSTD - Requested ABV - above Lawrence RESP - Response AC - altocumulus GND - Ground RESTR - Restrict ACARS - GNDFG - Ground fog RGD - Ragged communication addressing & GRAD - Gradient RGLR - Regular reporting system GRDL - Gradual RGN - Region ACCUM - accumulate GRDLY - Gradually RGNS - Regions ACFT - aircraft GRT - Great RH - Relative ACK - acknowledge GRTLY - Greatly RIOGD - Rio Grande ACL - altimeter check GRTR - Greater RLTV - Relative location GRTST - Greatest RLTVLY - Relativily ACLD - above GRTLKS - Great Lakes RMN - Remain ACLT - accelerate GSTS - Gusts RMND - Remained ACPT - accept GSTY - Gusty RMNDR - Remainder ACR - air carrier GV - Ground visibility RMNG - Remaining ACRBT - acrobatic RMNS - Remains ACRS - across H RNFL - Rainfall ACSL - standing lenticular HAZ - Hazard ROT - Rotate altocumulus HCVIS - High clouds visible ROTD - Rotated ACT - active or activated or HDFRZ - Hard freeze ROTG - Rotating activity HDSVLY - Hudson Valley ROTS - Rotates ACTG - acting HDWND - Head wind RPD - Rapid ACTV - active HGT - Height RPDLY - Rapidly ACTVT - activate HI - High RPLC - Replace ACYC - anticyclonic HIER - Higher RPLCD - Replaced ADA - advisory area HIFOR - High level forecast RPLCG - Replacing ADDN - addition HLF - Half RPLCS - Replaces ADF - automatic direction HLTP - Hilltop RPRT - Report finder HLSTO - Hailstones RPRTD - Reported ADIZ - air defense HLYR - Haze layer aloft RPRTG - Reporting identification zone HND - Hundred RPRTS - Reports ADJ - adjacent HR - Hour RPT - Repeat ADQT - adequate HRS - Hours RPTG - Repeating ADRNDCK - adirondack HRZN - Horizon RPTS - Repeats ADV - advise HTG - Heating RQR - Require ADVCTN - HURCN - Hurricane RQRD - Required ADVN - advance HUREP - Hurricane report RQRG - Requiring ADVY - advisory HV - Have RQRS - Requires ADVZY - advisory HVY - Heavy RS - Receiver station AFB - Air Force Base HVYR - Heavier RSG - Rising AFCT - affect HVYST - Heaviest RSN - Reason AFD - /Facility HWVR - However RSNG - Reasoning Directory HWY - Highway RSNS - Reasons AFDK - after dark RSTR - Restrict AFSS - Automated Flight I RSTRD - Restricted Service Station IA - Iowa RSTRG - Restricting AFT - after IC - Ice RSTRS - Restricts AFTN - afternoon ICG - Icing RTRN - Return AGL - above ground level ICGIC - Icing in clouds RTRND - Returned AHD - ahead ICGIP - Icing in RTRNG - Returning AIM - Aeronautical precipitation RTRNS - Returns Information Manual ID - Idaho RUF - Rough AIRMET - Airmen's IL - Illinois RUFLY - Roughly Meteorological Information IMDT - Immediate RVS - Revise ALF - aloft IMDTLY - Immediately RVSD - Revised ALG - along IMPL - Impulse RVSG - Revising ALGHNY - Allegheny IMPLS - Impulses RVSS - Revises ALNMT - alignment IMPT - Important RW - Rain ALQDS - all quadrants INCL - Include ALS - approach light system INCLD - Included S ALSEC - all sectors INCLG - Including S - South ALSF-1 - standard 2400' INCLS - Includes SA - Surface observation high-intensity approach INCR - Increase SAO - Surface observation lighting system with INCRD - Increased SAOS - Surface observations sequenced flashers (Category INCRG - Increasing SASK - Saskatchewan I configuration) INCRGLY - Increasingly SATFY - Satisfactory ALSF-2 - standard 2400' INCRS - Increases SBND - South bound high-intensity approach INDC - Indicate SBSD - Subside lighting system with INDCD - Indicated SBSDD - Subsided sequenced flashers (Category INDCG - Indicating SBSDNC - Subsidence II configuration) INDCS - Indicates SBSDS - Subsides ALSTG - altimeter setting INDEF - Indefinite SC - South Carolina ALT - INFO - Information SCND - Second ALTA - Alberta INLD - Inland SCNDRY - Secondary ALTM - altimeter INSTBY - Instability SCSL - Standing lenticular ALTN - alternate INTCNTL - Intercontinental stratocumulus ALUTN - Aleutian INTL - International SCT - Scatter AM - ante meridiem INTMD - Intermediate SCTD - Scattered AMS - air mass INTMT - Intermittent SCTR - Sector AMSL - above mean sea INTMTLY - Intermittently SD - South Dakota level INTR - Interior SE - Southeast ANCPT - anticipate INTRMTRGN - SEC - Second ANLYS - analysis Intermountain region SELS - Severe Local Storms AO1 - ASOS automated INTS - Intense Unit observation without INTSFCN - Intensification SELY - Southeasterly recipitation discriminator INTSFY - Intensify SEPN - Separation (rain/snow) INTSFYD - Intensified SEQ - Sequence AO2 - ASOS automated INTSFYG - Intensifying SERN - Southeastern observation with precipitation INTSFYS - Intensifies SEWD -Southeastward discriminator (rain/snow) INTSTY - Intensity SFC - Surface AOA - at or above INTVL - Interval SFERICS - Atmospherics AOB - at or below INVRN - Inversion SG - AOE - airport of entry IOVC - In overcast SGFNT - Significant APCH - approach INVOF - In vicinity of SGFNTLY - Significantly APL - airport lights IP - Ice pellets SHFT - Shift APLCN - Appalachian IPV - Improve SHFTD - Shifted APN - Apron IPVG - Improving SHFTG - Shifting APRNT - apparent IR - Infrared SHFTS - Shifts APROP - appropriate ISOL - Isolate SHLD - Shield APRX - approximate ISOLD - Isolated SHLW - Shallow ARB - Air Reserve Base SHRT - Short ARFOR - area forecast J SHRTLY - Shortly ARINC - Aeronautical , JCTN - Junction SHRTWV - Shortwave Incorporated JTSTR - SHRTWVS - Shortwaves ARND - around SHUD - Should ARTC - air route traffic K SHWR - Shower control KFRST - Killing frost SHWRS - Showers ARTCC - Air Route Traffic KLYR - Smoke layer aloft SIERNEV - Sierra Nevada Control Center KOCTY - Smoke over city SIG - Signature AS - altostratus KS - Kansas SIGMET - Significant ASAP - as soon as possible KT - Knots meteorological information ASDA - accelerate-stop KY - Kentucky SIMUL - Simultaneous distance available SKC - Sky clear ASL - above sea level SKED - Schedule L ASOS - automated surface SLD - Solid LA - Louisiana observing system SLGT - Slight LABRDR - Labrador ASPH - asphalt SLGTLY - Slightly LAT - ATA - actual time of arrival SLO - Slow LCL - Local ATIS - automatic terminal SLOLY - Slowly LCLY - Locally information service SLOR - Slower LCTD - Located ATLC - Atlantic SLP - Slope LCTN - Location AURBO - Aurora Borealis SLPG - Sloping LCTMP - Little change in AUTH - authorized SLT - Sleet temperature AUTO - automatic SLY - Southerly LEVEL - Level AVG - average SM - Statute mile LFM - Limited Fine Mesh AVGAS - aviation gasoline SMK - Smoke Model AWOS - automatic weather SML - Small LFTG - Lifting observing/reporting system SMLR - Smaller LGRNG - Long range AWY - airway SMRY - Summary LGT - Light AZM - azimuth SMS - Synchronus LGTR - Lighter meteorological satellite LGWV - Long wave SMTH - Smooth B LI - SMTHR - Smoother BACLIN - Baroclinic LIS - Lifted indices SMTHST - Smoothest BAJA - Baja California LK - Lake SMTM - Sometime BATROP - Barotropic LKS - Lakes SMWHT - Somewhat BC - British Columbia LKLY - Likely SNBNK - Snow bank BCH - Beach LLJ - Low Level Jet SND - Sand BCKG - Backing LLWS - Low Level Wind SNFLK - Snow flake BCM - Become Shear SNGL - Single BCMG - Becoming LLWAS - Low level wind SNOINCR - Snow increase BCMS - Becomes shear alert system SNOINCRG - Snow BD - Blowing dust LMTD - Limited increasing BDA - Bermuda LMTG - Limiting SNST - Sunset BDRY - Boundary LMTS - Limits SNW - Snow BFDK - Before dark LN - Line SNWFL - Snowfall BFR - Before LN - Lines BGN - Begin LO - Low SOP - Standard operating BGNG - Beginning LONG - Longitude procedure BGNS - Begins LONGL - Longitudnal SP - Snow pellets BHND - Behind LRG - Large SPCLY - Especially BINOVC - Breaks in LRGLY - Largely SPD - Speed overcast LRGR - Larger SPDS - Speeds BKN - Broken LRGST - Largest SPENES - Satellite BLD - Build LST - Local standard time precipitation estimate BLDG - Building LTD - Limited statement BLDS - Builds LTG - SPKL - Sprinkle BLDUP - Buildup LTGCC - Lightning cloud-to- SPKLS - Sprinkles BLKHLS - Black Hills cloud SPLNS - Southern Plains BLKT - Blanket LTGCG - Lightning cloud-to- SPRD - Spread BLKTG - Blanketing ground SPRDG - Spreading BLKTS - Blankets LTGCCCG - Lightning cloud- SPRDS - Spreads BLO - Below to-cloud cloud-to-ground SPRL - Spiral BLZD - Blizzard LTGCW - Lightning cloud-to- SQAL - BN - Blowing sand SQLN - Squall line BND - Bound LTGIC - Lightning in cloud SR - Sunrise BNDRY - Boundary LTL - Little SRN - Southern BNDRYS - Boundaries LTLCG - Little change SRND - Surround BNTH - Beneath LTR - Later SRNDD - Surrounded BOOTHEEL - Bootheel LTST - Latest SRNDG - Surrounding BR - Branch LV - Leaving SRNDS - Surrounds BRG - Branching LVL - Level SS - Sunset BRS - Branches LVLS - Levels SSE - South-southeast BRF - Brief LWR - Lower SSELY - South-southeasterly BRK - Break LWRD - Lowered SSERN - South-southeastern BRKG - Breaking LWRG - Lowering SSEWD - South- BRKHIC - Breaks in higher LYR - Layer southeastward clouds LYRD - Layered SSW - South-southwest BRKS - Breaks LYRS - Layers SSWLY - South- BRKSHR - Berkshire southwesterly BRKSHRS - Berkshires M SSWRN - South- BRM - MA - Massachusetts southwestern BS - Blowing snow MAN - Manitoba SSWWD - South- BTWN - Between MAX - Maximum southwestward BYD - Beyond MB - Millibars ST - Stratus MCD - Mesoscale discussion STAGN - Stagnation C MD - Maryland STBL - Stable C - Celsius MDFY - Modify STBLTY - Stability CA - California MDFYD - Modified STD - Standard CAA - Cold Air Advection MDFYG - Modifying STDY - Steady CARIB - Caribbean MDL - Model STFR - Stratus fractus CASCDS - Cascades MDLS - Models STFRM - Stratiform CAVOK - Ceiling and visibility MDT - Moderate STG - Strong OK MDTLY - Moderately STGLY - Strongly CAVU - Ceiling and visibility ME - Maine STGR - Stronger unlimited MED - Medium STGST - Strongest CB - Cumulonimbus MEGG - Merging STLT - Satellite CBS - Cumulonimbi MESO - Mesoscale STM - Storm CC - Cirrocumulus MET - Meteorological STMS - Storms CCLDS - Clear of clouds METRO - Metropolitan STN - Station CCLKWS - Counter- MEX - Mexico STNS - Stations clockwise MHKVLY - Mohawk Valley STNRY - Stationary CCSL - Standing lenticular MI - Michigan SUB - Substitute cirrocumulus MID - Middle SUBTRPCL - Subtropical CDFNT - MIDN - Midnight SUF - Sufficient CDFNTL - Cold frontal MIL - Military SUFLY - Sufficiently CFP - Cold front passage MIN - Minimum SUG - Suggest CG - Cloud-to-ground MISG - Missing SUGG - Suggesting CHC - Chance MLTLVL - Melting level SUGS - Suggests CHCS - Chances MN - Minnesota SUP - Supply CHG - Change MNLND - Mainland SUPG - Supplying CHGD - Changed MNLY - Mainly SUPR - Superior CHGG - Changing MO - Missouri SUPS - Supplies CHGS - Changes MOGR - Moderate or greater SUPSD - Supersede CHSPK - Chesepeake MOV - Move SUPSDG - Superseding CI - Cirrus MOVD - Moved SUPSDS - Supersedes CIG - Ceiling MOVG - Moving SVG - Serving CIGS - Ceilings MOVMT - Movement SVR - Severe CLD - Cloud MOVS - Moves SVRL - Several CLDNS - Cloudiness MPH - Miles per hour SW - Southwest CLDS - Clouds MRGL - Marginal SWD - Southward CLKWS - Clockwise MRGLLY - Marginally SWWD - Southwestward CLR - Clear MRNG - Morning SW- - Light snow shower CLRG - Clearing MRTM - Maritime SW+ - Heavy snow shower CLRS - Clears MS - Mississippi SWLG - Swelling CMPLX - Complex MSG - Message SWLY - Southwesterly CNCL - Cancel MSL - Mean sea level SWOMCD - SELS Mesoscale CNCLD - Cancelled MST - Most Discussion CNCLG - Cancelling MSTLY - Mostly SWRN - Southwestern CNCLS - Cancels MSTR - Moisture SX - Stability index CNDN - Canadian MT - Montana SXN - Section CNTR - Center MTN - SXNS - Sections CNTRD - Centered MTNS - SYNOP - Synoptic CNTRLN - Centerline MULT - Multiple SYNS - Synopsis CNTRS - Centers MULTILVL - Multi-level SYS - System CNTRL - Central MXD - Mixed CNTY - County T CNTYS - Counties N T - Thunder CNVG - Converge N - North TCNTL - Transcontinental CNVGG - Converging NAB - Not above TCU - Towering cumulus CNVGNC - Convergence NAT - North Atlantic TDA - Today CNVTN - Convection NATL - National TEMP - Temperature CNVTV - Convective NAV - Navigation THD - Thunderhead CNVTVLY - Convectively NB - New Brunswick THDR - Thunder CNFDC - Confidence NBND - Northbound THK - Thick CO - Colorado NBRHD - Neighborhood THKNG - Thickening COMPAR - Compare NC - North Carolina THKNS - Thickness COMPARG - Comparing NCWX - No change in THKR - Thicker COMPARD - Compared weather THKST - Thickest COMPARS - Compares ND - North Dakota THN - Thin COND - Conditions NE - Northeast THNG - Thinning CONT - Continue NEB - Nebraska THNR - Thinner CONTD - Continued NEC - Necessary THNST - Thinnest CONTLY - Continually NEG - Negative THR - Threshold CONTG - Continuing NEGLY - Negatively THRFTR - Thereafter CONTRAILS - NELY - Northeasterly THRU - Through Trails NERN - Northeastern THRUT - Throughout CONTS - Continues NEWD - Northeastward THSD - Thousand CONTDVD - Continental NEW ENG - New England THTN - Threaten Divide NFLD - Newfoundland THTND - Threatened CONUS - Continental U.S. NGM - Nested Grid Model THTNG - Threatening COORD - Coordinate NGT - Night THTNS - Threatens COR - Correction NH - New Hampshire TIL - Until CPBL - Capable NIL - None TMPRY - Temporary CRC - Circle NJ - TMPRYLY - Temporarilly CRCLC - Circulate NL - No layers TMW - Tomorrow CRCLN - Circulation NLT - Not later than TN - Tennessee CRNR - Corner NLY - Northerly TNDCY - Tendency CRNRS- Corners NM - New Mexico TNDCYS - Tendencies CRS- Course NMBR - Number TNGT - Tonight CS - Cirrostratus NMBRS - Numbers TNTV - Tentative CSDR - Consider NMC - National TNTVLY - Tentatively CSDRBL - Considerable Meteorological Center TOPS - Tops CST - Coast NML - Normal TOVC - Top of overcast CSTL - Coastal NMRS - Numerous TPG - Topping CT- Connecticut NNE - North-northeast TRBL - Trouble CTGY - Category NNELY - North- TRIB - Tributary CTSKLS - Catskills northeasterly TRKG - Tracking CU - Cumulus NNERN - North- TRML -Terminal CUFRA - Cumulus Fractus northeastern TRMT - Terminate CVR - Cover NNEWD - North- TRMTD - Terminated CVRD - Covered northeastward TRMTG - Terminating CVRG - Covering NNW - North-northwest TRMTS - Terminates CVRS - Covers NNWLY - North- TRNSP - Transport CYC - Cyclonic northwesterly TRNSPG - Transporting CYCLGN - Cyclogenesis NNWRN - North- TROF - northwestern TROFS - Troughs D NNWWD - North- TROP - Tropopause DABRK - Daybreak northwestward TRPCD - Tropical continental DALGT - Day light NNNN - End of message TRPCL - Tropical DBL - Double NOAA - National Oceanic and TRRN - Terrain DC - District of Columbia Atmospheric Administration TRSN - Transition DCR - Decrease NOPAC - Northern Pacific TRW - Thunderstorm DCRD - Decreased NPRS - Nonpersistent TRW+ - Thunderstorm with DCRG - Decreasing NR - Near heavy rain shower DCRGLY - Decreasingly NRLY - Nearly TSFR - Transfer DCRS - Decreases NRN - Northern TSFRD - Transfered DE - Delaware NRW - Narrow TSFRG - Transfering DEG - Degree NS - Nova Scotia TSFRS - Transfers DEGS - Degrees NTFY - Notify TSHWR - Thundershower DELMARVA - Delaware- NTFYD - Notified TSHWRS - Thundershowers Maryland-Virginia NV - Nevada TSNT - Transient DFCLT - Difficult NVA - Negative TSQLS - Thundersqualls DFCLTY - Difficulty advection TSTM - Thunderstorm DFNT - Definite NW - Northwest TSTMS - DFNTLY - Definitely NWD - Northward TS - Thunderstorm with snow DFRS - Differs NWLY - Northwesterly TS+ - Thunderstorm with DFUS - Diffuse NWRN - Northwestern heavy snow DGNL - Diagonal NWS - National Weather TSW - Thunderstorm with DGNLLY - Diagonally Service snow showers DIGG - Digging NY - New York TSW+ - Thunderstorm with DIR - Direction NXT - Next heavy snow showers DISC - Discontinue TURBC - Turbulence DISCD - Discontinued O TURBT - Turbulent DISCG - Discontinuing OAT - Outside Air TWD - Toward DISRE - Disregard Temperature OBND - TWDS - Towards DISRED - Disregarded Outbound TWI - Twilight DISREG - Disregarding OBS - Observation TWRG - Towering DKTS - Dakotas OBSC - Obscure TX - Texas DLA - Delay OBSCD - Obscured DLAD - Delayed OBSCG - Obscuring U DLT - Delete OCFNT - Occluded front UDDF - Up and down drafts DLTD - Deleted OCLD - Occlude UN - Unable DLTG - Deleting OCLDS - Occludes UNAVBL - Unavailable DLY - Daily OCLDD - Occluded UNEC - Unnecessary DMG - Damage OCLDG - Occluding UNKN - Unknown DMGD - Damaged OCLN - Occlusion UNL - Unlimited DMGG - Damaging OCNL - Occasional UNRELBL - Unreliable DMNT - Dominant OCNLY - Occasionally UNRSTD - Unrestricted DMSH - Diminish OCR - Occur UNSATFY - Unsatisfactory DMSHD - Diminished OCRD - Occurred UNSBL - Unseasonable DMSHG - Diminishing OCRG - Occurring UNSTBL - Unstable DMSHS - Diminishes OCRS - Occurs UNSTDY - Unsteady DNDFTS - Downdrafts OFC - Office UNSTL - Unsettle DNS - Dense OFP - Occluded frontal UNSTLD - Unsettled DNSLP - Downslope passage UNUSBL - Unusable DNSTRM - Downstream OFSHR - Offshore UPDFTS - Updrafts DNWND - Down wind OH - Ohio UPR - Upper DP - Deep OK - Oklahoma UPSLP - Upslope DPND - Deepened OMTNS - Over mountains UPSTRM - Upstream DPNS - Deepens ONSHR - On shore URG - Urgent DPR - Deeper OR - Oregon USBL - Usable DPNG - Deepening ORGPHC - Orographic UT - Utah DPTH - Depth ORIG - Original UVV - Upward vertical DRFT - Drift OSV - Ocean station vessel velocity DRFTD - Drifted OTLK - Outlook UVVS - Upward vertical DRFTG - Drifting OTP - On top velocities DRFTS - Drifts OTR - Other UWNDS - Upper DRZL - Drizzle OTRW - Otherwise DSCNT - Descent OUTFLO - Outflow V DSIPT - Dissipate OVC - Overcast VA - Virginia DSIPTD - Dissipated OVNGT - Overnight VARN - Variation DSIPTG - Dissipating OVR - Over VCNTY - Vicinity DSIPTN - Dissipation OVRN - Overrun VCOT - VFR conditions on top DSIPTS - Dissipates OVRNG - Overrunning VCTR - Vector DSND - Descend OVTK - Overtake VDUC - VAS Data Utilization DSNDG - Descending OVTKG - Overtaking Center (NSSFC) DSNDS - Descends OVTKS - Overtakes VFY - Verify DSNT - Distant VFYD - Verified DSTBLZ - Destabilize P VFYG - Verifying DSTBLZD - Destabilized PA - Pennsylvania VFYS - Verifies DSTBLZG - Destablizing PAC - Pacific VLCTY - Velocity DSTBLZS - Destablizes PBL - Planetary boundary VLCTYS - Velocities DSTBLZN - Destablization layer VLNT - Violent DSTC - Distance PCPN - Precipitation VLNTLY - Violently DTRT - Deteriorate PD - Period VLY - Valley DTRTD - Deteriorated PDS - Periods VLYS - Valleys DTRTG - Deteriorating PDMT - Predominant VMC - Visual meteorological DTRTS - Deteriorates PEN - Peninsula conditions DURG - During PERM - Permanent VOL - Volume DURN - Duration PGTSND - Puget Sound VORT - Vorticity DVLP - Develop PHYS - Physical VR - Veer DVLPD - Developed PIBAL - Pilot VRG - Veering DVLPG - Developing observation VRBL - Variable DVLPMT - Development PIBALS - Pilot balloon VRISL - Vancouver Island, DVLPS - Develops reports BC DVRG - Diverge PIREP - Pilot weather report VRS - Veers DVRGG - Diverging PIREPS - Pilot weather VRT MOTN - Vertical Motion DVRGNC - Divergence reports VRY - Very DVRGS - Diverges PLNS - Plains VSB - Visible DVV - Downward vertical PLS - Please VSBY - Visibility velocity PLTO - Plateau VSBYDR - Visibility DWNDFTS - Downdrafts PM - Post meridian decreasing rapidly DWPNT - Dewpoint PNHDL - Panhandle VSBYIR - Visibility increasing DWPNTS - Dewpoints POS - Positive rapidly DX - Duplex POSLY - Positively VT - Vermont PPINE - PPI no echoes VV - Vertical velocity E PPSN - Present position E - East PRBL - Probable W EBND - East bound PRBLY - Probably W - West EFCT - Effect PRBLTY - Probability WA - Washington ELNGT - Elongate PRECD - Precede WAA - Warm Air Advection ELNGTD - Elongated PRECDD - Preceded WBND - West bound ELSW - Elsewhere PRECDG - Preceding WDLY - Widely EMBDD - Embedded PRECDS - Precedes WDSPRD - Widespread EMERG - Emergency PRES - Pressure WEA - Weather ENCTR - Encounter PRESFR - Pressure falling WFO - Weather Forecast ENDG - Ending rapidly Office ENE - East-northeast PRESRR - Pressure rising WFOS - Weather Forecast ENELY - East-northeasterly rapidly Offices ENERN - East-northeastern PRIM - Primary WFP - Warm front passage ENEWD - East- PRIN - Principal WI - Wisconsin northeastward PRIND - Present indications WIBIS - Will be issued ENHNC - Enhance are WINT - Winter ENHNCD - Enhanced PRJMP - Pressure jump WK - Weak ENHNCG - Enhancing PROC - Procedure WKDAY - Weekday ENHNCS - Enhances PROD - Produce WKEND - Weekend ENHNCMNT - Enhancement PRODG - Producing WKNG - Weakening ENTR - Entire PROG - Forecast WKNS - Weakens ERN - Eastern PROGD - Forecasted WKR - Weaker ERY - Early PROGS - Forecasts WKST - Weakest ERYR - Earlier PRSNT - Present WKN - Weaken ESE - East-southeast PRSNTLY - Presently WL - Will ESELY - East-southeasterly PRST - Persist WLY - Westerly ESERN - East-southeastern PRSTS - Persists WND - Wind ESEWD - East- PRSTNC - Persistence WNDS - Winds southeastward PRSTNT - Persistent WNW - West-northwest ESNTL - Essential PRVD - Provide WNWLY - West- ESTAB - Establish PRVDD - Provided northwesterly ESTS - Estimates PRVDG - Providing WNWRN - West- ETA - Eta model PRVDS - Provides northwestern ETC - Et cetera PS - Plus WNWWD - West- ETIM - Elapsed time PSBL - Possible northwestward EVE - Evening PSBLY - Possibly WO - Without EWD - Eastward PSBLTY - Possiblity WPLTO - Western Plateau EXCLV - Exclusive PSG - Passage WRM - Warm EXCLVLY - Exclusively PSN - Position WRMG - Warming EXCP - Except PSND - Positioned WRN - Western EXPC - Expect PTCHY - Patchy WRMR - Warmer EXPCD - Expected PTLY - Partly WRMST - Warmest EXPCG - Expecting PTNL - Potential WRMFNT - Warm front EXTD - Extend PTNLY - Potentially WRMFNTL - Warm Frontal EXTDD - Extended PTNS - Portions WRNG - Warning EXTDG - Extending PUGET - Puget Sound WRNGS - Warnings EXTDS - Extends PVA - Positive vorticity WRS - Worse EXTN - Extension advection WSHFT - Wind shift EXTRAP - Extrapolate PVL - Prevail WSHFTS - Wind Shifts EXTRAPD - Extrapolated PVLD - Prevailed WSFO - Weather Service EXTRM - Extreme PVLG - Prevailing Forecast Office EXTRMLY - Extremely PVLS - Prevails WSFOS - Weather Service EXTSV - Extensive PVLT - Prevalent Forecast Offices PWR - Power WSO - Weather Service F Office F - Farenheit Q WSOS - Weather Service FA - Aviation area forecast QN - Question Offices FAH - Farenheit QPFERD - NMC excessive WSTCH - Wasatch Range FAM - Familiar rainfall discussion WSW - West-southwest FCST - Forecast QPFHSD - NMC heavy snow WSWLY - West- FCSTD - Forecasted discussion southwesterly FCSTG - Forecasting QPFSPD - NMC special WSWRN - West- FCSTR - Forecaster precipitation discussion southwestern FCSTS - Forecasts QSTNRY - Quasistationary WSWWD - West- FIG - Figure QUAD - Quadrant southwestward FILG - Filling QUE - Quebec WTR - Water FIRAV - First available WTRS - FL - Florida WTSPT - Waterspout FLG - Falling R WTSPTS - Waterspouts FLRY - Flurry R - Rain WUD - Would FLRYS - Flurries RADAT - WV - West Virginia FLT - Flight observation data WVS - Waves FLW - Follow RAOB - Radiosonde WW - FLWG - Following observation WWAMKC - Status Report FM - From RAOBS - Radiosonde WWD - Westward FMT - Format observations WWS - Severe Weather FNCTN - Function RCH - Reach FNT - Front RCHD - Reached WX - Weather FNTL - Frontal RCHG - Reaching WY - Wyoming FNTS - Fronts RCHS - Reaches FNTGNS - Frontogenesis RCKY - Rocky X FNTLYS - Frontolysis RCKYS - Rockies XCP - Except FORNN - Forenoon RCMD - Recommend XPC - Expect FPM - Feet per minute RCMDD - Recommended XPCD - Expected FQT - Frequent RCMDG - Recommending XPCG - Expecting FQTLY - Frequently RCMDS - Recommends XPCS - Expects FRM - Form RCRD - Record XPLOS - Explosive FRMG - Forming RCRDS - Records XTND - Extend FRMN - Formation RCV - Receive XTNDD - Extended FROPA - Frontal passage RCVD - Received XTNDG - Extending FROSFC - Frontal surface RCVG - Receiving XTRM - Extreme FRST - Frost RCVS - Receives XTRMLY - Extremely FRWF - Forecast wind factor RDC - Reduce FRZ - Freeze RDGG - Ridging Y FRZN - Frozen RDR - YDA - Yesterday FRZG - Freezing RDVLP - Redevelop YKN - Yukon FT - Feet RDVLPG - Redeveloping YLSTN - Yellowstone FT - Terminal forecast RDVLPMT - Redevelopment FTHR - Further RE - Regard Z FVRBL - Favorable RECON - Reconnaissance ZL - FWD - Forward REF - Reference ZN - Zone FYI - For your information RES - Reserve ZNS - Zones RGL - Regional Model ZR - G RGT - Right G - Gust RHINO - RHI not operative GA - Georgia RI - Rhode Island GEN - General GENLY - Generally GEO - Geographic

Weather Phenomena

BR is mist, which is the same as fog or FG, but with visibility of more than five-eighths of a mile. Fog is the proper term when it's thicker and the visibility is forecast to be less than five- eighths of a mile.

CIG means ceiling, or the distance above the surface of the lowest level of broken or overcast clouds. While most reports of in FAs refer to height above mean sea level, reports of ceilings are always height above the surface. CSTL WTRS stands for coastal waters. This, like many of the abbreviations, can be understood if you try to pronounce it, which means you will add the missing vowels or some vowels that will probably help you to make sense of the words.

FZ stands for freezing. It's usually used in conjunction with fog or precipitation, as in: FZDZ (freezing drizzle); FZFG (freezing fog); or FZRA (freezing rain).

SH indicates showers. Like freezing, this is normally combined with other weather codes such as: SHRN (rain showers) or SHSN (snow showers).

TS means thunderstorms. TS alone means thunder but no precipitation is falling at the . TS alone will not be seen in an FA, only in reports of weather conditions. In forecasts, such as area forecasts, TS will be followed by other letters, including: TSRN (thunder with rain, or an ordinary thunderstorm); TSSN (thunder with snow); TSPE (thunder with ice pellets - sleet to you and me); TSGR (thunder with hail); TSRAGR (thunder with rain and hail); and TSRASN (thunder with rain and snow).