What does SPECI stand for?
What does SPECI stand for?
Aviation Selected Special Weather Report
SPECI is merely the code name given to METAR formatted products which are issued on a special non-routine basis as dictated by changing meteorological conditions. The SPECI acronym roughly translates as Aviation Selected Special Weather Report.
What is a SPECI in aviation?
An Aviation Selected Special Weather Report (SPECI) is an unscheduled report taken when there is a significant change in the weather during the period between the hourly reports.
At what times may a SPECI METAR be issued?
It describes the occurring weather within 3km of the observation site and it is issued every hour, shortly after the hour. (Note: vicinity phenomena reported in a METAR is within 8 km of the observing site. Anything that is outside of the 8 km area is usually reported in the remarks portion of the METAR.)
What are some criteria for the issuance of a SPECI METAR?
Wind direction changes by 45 degrees or more in less than 15 minutes and the wind speed is 10 knots or more throughout the wind shift. (2)VISIBILITY. Surface visibility as reported in the body of the report decreases to less than, or if below, increases to equal or exceed: (a) 3 miles.
WHO issues TAFs?
National Weather Service Forecast Office
Our primary aviation responsibility at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Brownsville is to issue Terminal Aerodome Forecasts (TAFs). Routine TAFs are valid for a 24-hour period and issued four times daily: 00Z, 06Z, 12Z, and 18Z, and are amended (updated) as conditions require.
Why is a SPECI issued?
SPECI is special weather report issued when there is significant deterioration or improvement in airport weather conditions, such as significant changes of surface winds, visibility, cloud base height and occurrence of severe weather.
How long are Metars good for?
The METAR only gives you a small snapshot in time. They are only good for an hour. They are usually refreshed around 55 past the hour. TAFs, on the other hand, cover a 24 to 30 hour period and they are published 6 times a day (0000, 0600, 1200, 1800).
What is a Trowal in aviation?
TROWAL. TROugh of Warm Air ALoft. Typically used during winter weather, it is a “tongue” of relatively warm/moist air aloft that wraps around to the north and west of a mature cyclone.
How often are SPECI issued?
Reports are generated once an hour or half-hour at most stations, but if conditions change significantly at a staffed location, a report known as a special (SPECI) may be issued. There are stations that make regular reports more often. (Such as KPLU which reports 3 per hour.)
What is the difference between a METAR and a SPECI?
A METAR is a routine report of meteorological conditions at an aerodrome. A SPECI is a special report of meteorological conditions, issued when one or more elements meet specified criteria significant to aviation.
What are aviation routine weather reports (METARs)?
Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs) and Aviation Selected Special Weather Reports (SPECIs) report the current weather conditions at an airport. METARs are reported once per hour, and are the most common type of observation.
What is a SPECI Special Weather Report?
A SPECI is a Special Weather Report issued when there is a significant change to a published METAR (Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report).
What is metmetar and why is it important?
METAR is routine weather report issued at hourly or half-hourly intervals. It is a description of the meteorological elements observed at an airport at a specific time.
