Introduction
Aviation weather symbols form a standardized visual language used on aviation weather charts and reports to efficiently communicate meteorological conditions that may affect flight safety and planning. These symbols allow pilots and meteorologists to quickly assess complex weather information at a glance, facilitating better decision-making and enhanced situational awareness in the dynamic aviation environment.
METAR and TAF Symbols (Aviation Weather Reports and Forecasts)
Cloud Coverage Symbols
| Symbol | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SKC or CLR | Sky Clear | No clouds detected |
| FEW | Few | 1/8 to 2/8 cloud coverage |
| SCT | Scattered | 3/8 to 4/8 cloud coverage |
| BKN | Broken | 5/8 to 7/8 cloud coverage |
| OVC | Overcast | 8/8 cloud coverage (complete) |
| VV | Vertical Visibility | Used when sky is obscured |
Precipitation and Obscuration Symbols
| Symbol | Description | Intensity Prefix |
|---|---|---|
| RA | Rain | – Light: “-“ |
| SN | Snow | – Moderate: (no symbol) |
| GR | Hail | – Heavy: “+” |
| GS | Small Hail/Snow Pellets | |
| PL | Ice Pellets | |
| DZ | Drizzle | |
| SG | Snow Grains | |
| IC | Ice Crystals | |
| FG | Fog | |
| BR | Mist | |
| HZ | Haze | |
| FU | Smoke | |
| VA | Volcanic Ash | |
| DU | Widespread Dust | |
| SA | Sand | |
| PY | Spray |
Wind Symbols
Wind is reported as: dddssKT
- ddd = direction (true) in degrees
- ss = speed in knots
- G = gust (if applicable)
- KT = knots
Examples:
- 27015KT = Wind from 270° at 15 knots
- 35025G40KT = Wind from 350° at 25 knots with gusts to 40 knots
- VRB05KT = Variable wind direction at 5 knots
Vicinity and Descriptor Symbols
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| VC | In the Vicinity (within 5-10 SM) |
| MI | Shallow |
| PR | Partial |
| BC | Patches |
| DR | Low Drifting |
| BL | Blowing |
| SH | Shower |
| TS | Thunderstorm |
| FZ | Freezing |
Weather Chart Symbols
Pressure Systems and Fronts
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| H or ⨁ | High Pressure System |
| L or ⨂ | Low Pressure System |
| —▲—▲— | Cold Front |
| —▼—▼— | Warm Front |
| —▲▼—▲▼— | Stationary Front |
| —◆—◆— | Occluded Front |
| —•—•— | Trough |
| ⚡ | Squall Line |
Station Models
Station models show observed weather conditions at specific locations using a standardized format:
Temperature (°F) Wind Direction
76 ──────────────┐
↓
Sky Cover ─── ○ ⊥ ─── Wind Speed (each barb = 10kts)
│
↓
Pressure ─ 108 ─── Pressure Tendency
Dew Point ─ 68
Sky Condition Symbols (on Station Models)
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| ○ | Clear sky (0/8) |
| ⦿ | Few clouds (1/8 – 2/8) |
| ◑ | Scattered clouds (3/8 – 4/8) |
| ◕ | Broken clouds (5/8 – 7/8) |
| ● | Overcast (8/8) |
| ✕ | Sky obscured |
Current Weather Symbols (on Station Models)
| Symbol | Description | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| • | Light rain | * | Snow |
| ●● | Moderate rain | ✹ | Snow shower |
| ●●● | Heavy rain | △ | Drizzle |
| ⚡ | Thunderstorm | ≡ | Fog |
| ⊗ | Rain shower | ∞ | Haze/Smoke |
| S | Sandstorm/Dust | ♦ | Freezing precipitation |
SIGMETs and AIRMETs Abbreviations
SIGMET Hazards (Significant Meteorological Information)
| Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|
| SEV TURB | Severe Turbulence |
| SEV ICE | Severe Icing |
| SEV MTW | Severe Mountain Wave |
| TS | Thunderstorms |
| TSGR | Thunderstorms with Hail |
| TC | Tropical Cyclone |
| VA | Volcanic Ash |
| CAT | Clear Air Turbulence |
AIRMET Hazards (Airmen’s Meteorological Information)
| AIRMET Type | Code | Hazards Described |
|---|---|---|
| AIRMET Tango | T | Turbulence, Strong Surface Winds |
| AIRMET Zulu | Z | Icing, Freezing Levels |
| AIRMET Sierra | S | IFR Conditions, Mountain Obscuration |
Common Weather Radar Symbols
Radar Echo Intensity (U.S. Color Scale)
| Color | Intensity Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Light Green | Level 1 | Light Precipitation |
| Dark Green | Level 2 | Moderate-Light Precipitation |
| Yellow | Level 3 | Moderate Precipitation |
| Orange | Level 4 | Heavy Precipitation |
| Red | Level 5 | Very Heavy Precipitation |
| Purple/Magenta | Level 6 | Extreme Precipitation, Hail Likely |
Turbulence and Icing Symbols
Turbulence Intensity
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| ∿ | Light Turbulence |
| ∿∿ | Moderate Turbulence |
| ∿∿∿ | Severe Turbulence |
| ∿∿∿∿ | Extreme Turbulence |
Icing Severity
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| ^ | Light Icing |
| ^^ | Moderate Icing |
| ^^^ | Severe Icing |
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Decoding Complex METARs
Solution: Break down the METAR into sections (wind, visibility, weather phenomena, clouds) and decode each section separately.
Challenge: Interpreting Multiple Weather Phenomena
Solution: Prioritize hazardous conditions (thunderstorms, icing, low visibility) first, then assess their combined impact.
Challenge: Radar Image Interpretation
Solution:
- Look for organization and movement patterns
- Correlate radar with other weather products
- Pay special attention to line segments and hook echoes (potential severe weather)
Challenge: Evaluating Weather for Go/No-Go Decisions
Solution: Create a systematic checklist comparing forecasted conditions against aircraft capabilities and personal minimums.
Best Practices and Tips
Always check currency of weather information
- METARs typically update hourly
- Radar images may be 5-10 minutes delayed
- TAFs are usually updated every 6 hours
Cross-reference multiple weather products
- Compare TAFs with area forecasts
- Verify radar images with METAR reports
- Use pilot reports (PIREPs) to validate forecasts
Develop pattern recognition skills
- Learn typical weather patterns for your region
- Understand seasonal variations
- Compare current conditions with historical patterns
When in doubt, seek clarification
- Contact Flight Service Station for briefings
- Ask for METAR/TAF interpretation if unclear
- Request updates on rapidly changing conditions
Document weather conditions in flight logs
- Record actual vs. forecasted conditions
- Note any discrepancies for future reference
- Track personal experiences with various weather phenomena
Resources for Further Learning
Official Sources
- FAA Aviation Weather Center: aviationweather.gov
- NOAA National Weather Service: weather.gov/aviation
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): icao.int
Educational Materials
- FAA Advisory Circular 00-45H (Aviation Weather Services)
- FAA-H-8083-25B Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (Chapter 12: Weather)
- Aviation Weather by Peter F. Lester
- Weather Flying by Robert N. Buck
Digital Tools
- ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, and other EFB applications
- NOAA Aviation Weather Center’s GFA Tool
- SkyVector for aeronautical charts with weather overlays
Training Programs
- AOPA Air Safety Institute Weather Wise courses
- FAA WINGS program weather modules
- University of North Dakota’s Aviation Weather courses (some available online)