View Full Version : Japan METARs
datafox
15th Jan 2006, 18:57
I've noticed Japanese METAR's remove the height of high clouds. They also do not include the coverage or type in remarks.
Example from Osaka:
RJOO 150430Z 33007KT 260V360 9999 FEW030 BKN120 BKN/// 11/01 Q1016 RMK 1CU030 5AC120 A3001=
Anyone know at what height are the cloud bases removed from METARs?
It all changed recently and I don't have the figures to hand.
From what I remember, latest situation (ICAO) is that clouds are now only reported when they are below the MSA or 5000ft whichever is higher.
The old system could have reported SCT060 at somewhere like Heathrow but now it will simply say NSC no significant cloud despite it being OVC at 060.
Local practices may be different from ICAO. If anyone has the exact info let us know.
Regards,
DFC
datafox
16th Jan 2006, 19:10
Does anyone have a link from the WMO or ICAO that describes current non U.S. METAR decoding? I'd like to see the differences but I can't find a decent file on either the WMO or ICAO sites.
Spitoon
16th Jan 2006, 20:22
This (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP746.PDF)UK CAA doc might be some use - although it sticks quite closely to the ICAO/WMO standard it does have a few UK specific things in it but these are highlighted. It's really designed for people making observations but it should work the other way round I guess!