MET codes
I believe the current coding system for TAFs, METARs etc was introduced in 1968.
A suggestion has been made to me that this was so that the information could be disseminated easily via teleprinter and then later via fax.
Does anybody know the history as to how the current format came about?
There is a view that with modern technology such a coding system is now irrelevant since, for example, smart phone apps can be used which translate TAFs etc into plain english.
I have my own views on this but would be interested to hear others.