View Full Version : Met Decode METAR help please
DenhamPPL
4th Sep 2006, 10:54
Am revising for my MET exam and have just had a look at the following current METAR for Shawbury:
SHAWBURY EGOS 040950Z 23009KT 9999 FEW018 SCT030 BKN090 16/12 Q1022 BLU NOSIG
Can someone let me know what BLU means? I can't find the abbreviation in the Met Office list. All I could find was BL (Blowing) and U (Upwards -tendency in RVR).
:ugh:
Thanks in advance
Andy
BLU = Colour Code Blue (like CAVOK)
RED = Colour Code Red.... the worst
Loads of threads on here mate..... some very recent!
DenhamPPL
4th Sep 2006, 10:59
Thanks AlanM sorry didn't perform my usual search and only just realised that Shawbury is of course a military airfield:hmm:
I'll get my coat and a strong cup of coffee.
Thanks V much:ok:
Aussie Andy
4th Sep 2006, 14:12
Colour code is a MIL thing - only on MIL airfield's METARs so don't worry too much if you can't remember the code.
tmmorris
4th Sep 2006, 16:21
You'll find details in e.g. the front of the VFR Flight Guide, but approximately:
Blue - VFR
White - marginal VFR (usually lowish ceiling)
Green - IFR for IMC rating holders
Amber - IFR for IRs
Red - IFR for Cat II/III ILS use only
Black - airfield closed
Tim
Jinkster
4th Sep 2006, 16:50
I presume the military have colour codes as some mil pilots dont understand METARs either ;)
:E
breakscrew
5th Sep 2006, 15:47
Here is the decode:
Surface Lowest Cloud
Colour State vis Km (nm) base 3/8 or more
Blue 8(4.3) 2500 ft agl
White 5(2.7) 1500 ft agl
Green 3.7(2) 700 ft agl
Yellow 1.6(1) 300 ft agl
Amber 0.8(0.5) 200 ft agl
Red <800m
Black Not usable for other reasons
BS