Strange METAR

[MyNameIsIs]

LOCKHART RIVER (YLHR)
METAR YLHR 030900Z 32007KT //// // ////// 27/26 Q1007
RMK RF00.0/002.4
F9/181/015/688

That is straight off the Airservices briefing. Also the same from the Aviation section of the BOM site.

What the heck is " F9/181/015/688" ?????

[buggaluggs]

Vis and cloud base not reported.

[Ixixly]

the ////'s indicate information not being available, in this case the visability and the cloud information are not included as perhaps the equipment that measures those pieces of information is either no available or only operates between certain periods.

[MyNameIsIs]

That sort of temp/dewpoint split is very typical of the wet season up FNQ.

Wonder if the regulars up that way have been having fun?

[Cirronimbus]

Those odd groups "F9/181/015/688" are usually only used "in house" by the met people. They are used to indicate such things as quality of the data or the sensors themselves and are usually edited out automatically before dissemination to users outside of BoM. Sometimes those groups can actually take up more space than the metar/speci itself!

The "/" figures are inserted when data is not available; either the sensors aren't working or else there isn't a person on duty to fill in the gaps.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Cn

[Back Seat Driver]

Cirronimbus - Love the handle - I've always vowed to fly around those, IF I ever see one.
What he said, but I'd also put $2 on
F9 - Peak wind @ 0900utc
181 degrees at 15 knots
Actual pressure 1006.88 hpa
Who knows, maybe I'll lose my $2
edit
Atmospheric Pressure Observing Standards (http://www.met.tamu.edu/class/METAR/metar-pg12-pres.html)
Pressure Observing Standards
• Barometer Comparisons. Each agency shall establish an agency standard barometer traceable to the standard of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Each agency shall also establish a system of routine barometer comparisons to determine corrections required to keep the station's pressure sensors within the required accuracy. See Table A-20.
Table A-20. Units of Measure, Range, Accuracy and Resolution of Pressure Parameters
Parameter Units of Measure Accuracy
Sea Level Pressure Hectopascals + or - 0.68 hectopascal

[Peter Fanelli]

////////////////

Raining heavily with some wind from the right.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

and with wind from the left

[CaptainMidnight]

:D

Very good .... I'll have to remember that next time someone asks me -

[MyNameIsIs]

Thanks Cirro & BSD for that info.

Did suspect that it was maybe something 'in-house' but didn't know why it would show up.


Nice one Peter :ok:

[Cirronimbus]

I think BackSeatDriver's explanation is probably closer to the mark than mine. Not sure what F9 means but 181/015 certainly could be the max wind since 00Z (perhaps from a small storm or shower that dropped the 2.4mm of rain?). There are lots of groups appended to the raw messages that are (supposed to be) removed prior to dissemination to the end users.

Sometimes they indicate such things as the period of time that the wind speed or direction is averaged over (for eg). They will even add groups that show the battery voltage and internal temperature of the automatic weather station.If all of that stuff was not removed, decoding metars would be a nightmare!!! The 688 might be a message sequence number or some such thing. I doubt is would be indicating a pressure of 1006.88; I don't think they measure pressure to two decimal places.

The temp/dewpoint spread could be because of the humid conditions (wet season and it has rained there), the water that wets the wet bulb temp sensor could be almost dried up, or frogs could be sitting on the moist material around the wet bulb temp sensor (they do that and can affect the temps!).

I like Peter's take on indicating wind and rain; nice one.

Cheers,

Cn

[FokkerInYour12]

Why in this day and age should we have to decode a METAR anyway?

If you ask for a METAR in flight they don't read it to you in code!

They removed morse code from the radio licence requirements (and how many would remain current in that today?).

[chainsaw]

Quite a few I'd imagine FIY12. :ok:

[Cirronimbus]

"If you ask for a METAR in flight they don't read it to you in code!'

No, but "they" have to decode it to read it to you in language you will understand.

The original question was for a decode of the strange looking bit at the end. I wonder just how many people outside of the Met Bureau could correctly decode that bit of the message that was queried. So far, I'm not sure anyone has offered the correct interpretation of that part of that message. I've offered as much as I can; sorry that I can' t do better right now.

Not sure what morse code has to do with anything either.

If anyone does know what that odd bit means, I'd be interested to learn something. Please feel free to help out.

Cheers,

Cn

[Checkboard]

I've got "Morse 10wpm" on my licence, and still use it to ID aids. :ok:

[PyroTek]

I've got "Morse 10wpm" on my licence, and still use it to ID aids.
We have little cheat-sheet morse code placards in our aircraft, for that very reason :ok:

[training wheels]

We have little cheat-sheet morse code placards in our aircraft, for that very reason :ok:

Why would you need it? The morse decode are on all charts (IFR and VFR) and DAPs in the nav aid box along with its frequency. :)

[superdimona]

One fine day, possibly in the 2020s, all this will be in plain english so mere mortals don't have to struggle with this 1940s nonsense.

[Cirronimbus]

The table A20 mentioned in BackSeatDriver's earlier post comes from America (and does not apply to us in Aus) and mentions pressure measured to an accuracy of +/- 0.68hPa but reported to a resolution of 0.1hPa. In Australia, pressure is measured to one decimal place and to an accuracy of +/- 0.3hPa. I don't think anyone in Australia measures pressure (for aviation purposes) to more than one decimal place.

I don't think anyone broadcasts metars etc in morse code. I thought it was only the navaids that use morse; is that right?

I agree with Superdimona's thoughts that plain language reporting would be a lot easier and the sooner that happens, the better.

[Back Seat Driver]

Cn, Thanks for your info re +/- .3 hpa.
The table A20, I posted above was from the 'Texas A&M University' website with the link provided by the 'World Meteorological Organization' -Official United Nations' authoritative voice on weather, climate and water, scientific organization. and includes as a member and agent in Australia, our 'Bureau of Meteorology' (http://www.wmo.int/pages/members/region5_en.html)
As I first said I would only risk $2 on what I thought the METAR addition meant, but now after research (including Texas Uni, which displays the WMO data), I am prepared to increase my bet to $2.50.
I would appreciate your source of accuracy for air pressure measurements.
If you are a meteorologist, than I will just say 'thanks' and climb back into my box. :ok:

[Nautilus Blue]

Modern plain language? Something like;

Meteorology Observation for Lockhart River Aerodrome issued at zero nine hundred universal coordinated time on the ninth day of the present month. The wind blowing from three hundred and twenty degrees magnetic at seven nautical miles per hour. No measurements of cloud coverage, cloud altitude or horizontal visibility available. Temperature twenty seven degrees centigrade. Dewpoint twenty six degrees centigrade. Barometric altimeter setting which will cause the altimeter to read altitude above mean sea level for Lockhart River Aerodrome one thousand and seven hectoPascals.
This information is intended for entertainment and possibly educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited by law. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Beaureau of Meteorology or anyone with any sense, for that matter. Some assembly required. List each check separately by bank number. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Postage will be paid by addressee. Subject to Council approval. This is not an offer to sell securities. Apply only to affected area. May be too intense for some viewers. Do not stamp. Use other side for additional listings. For recreational use only. Do not disturb. All models over 18 years of age. If condition persists, consult your physician or pharmacist. No user-serviceable parts inside. Freshest if eaten before date on carton. Subject to change without notice. Times approximate. Simulated picture. No postage necessary if mailed Australia . Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of agreement. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. For off-road use only. As seen on TV. One size fits most. Many suitcases look alike. Contains a substantial amount of non-tobacco ingredients. Colors may, in time, fade. We have sent the forms which seem to be right for you. Components individually tested. Slippery when wet. For office use only. Do not use in shower. Not affiliated with the Red Cross. Drop in any mailbox. Edited for television. Store in a cool, dry place. Please read instructions before use. Keep cool; process promptly. Post office will not deliver without postage. List was current at time of printing. Return to sender, no forwarding order on file, unable to forward. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform. At participating locations only. Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Not the Beatles. Penalty for private use. See label for sequence. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. Do not write below this line. Falling rock. Do not mix old and new batteries. Lost ticket pays maximum rate. Your canceled check is your receipt. Add toner. Certain restrictions apply. Place stamp here. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitized for your protection. Be sure each item is properly endorsed. Sign here without admitting guilt. Employees and their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show. Limited time offer, call now to ensure prompt delivery. You must be present to win. No passes accepted for this engagement. Roaming charges extra. No purchase necessary. Based on actual events. Processed at location stamped in code at top of carton. Shading within a garment may occur. Use only in a well-ventilated area. Keep away from fire or flames. Replace with same type. Approved for veterans. Results not typical, your results may vary. Booths for two or more. Check here if tax deductible. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does not include taxes. Not recommended for children. Prerecorded for this time zone. Professional driver on closed course, do not attempt these maneuvers. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Make sure address shows through window. Expect delays. No solicitors. May contain peanut dust. No alcohol, dogs or horses. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. Restaurant package, not for resale. List at least two alternate dates. First pull up, then pull down. Do not accept if seal is broken. Call toll free number before digging. Driver does not carry cash. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only. Turn once during cooking cycle. Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear. Record additional transactions on back of previous stub. Unix is a registered trademark of AT&T. Do not fold, spindle or mutilate. No transfers issued until the bus comes to a complete stop. Package sold by weight, not volume. Your mileage may vary. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. It is not a solicitation, nor an offer to buy or sell any security or derivative. All opinions stated are made in good faith, but there is no guarantee that future results will be profitable. Please remain seated until the ride has come to a complete stop.

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[Cirronimbus]

Hi BackSeatDriver,

I'm not a meteorologist but I was trained by the Bureau to do aviation met obs and am a qualified aerodrome weather observer (among other things). Doesn't mean I know all there is to know about meteorology but I do have a reasonable grasp on metar/speci stuff (I think).

The Bureau's own specification of siting of met instruments (specification 2013.1) states that barometric pressure should be within 0.3hPa of their standard barometer. Not sure where you could view a copy of that specification but a call to a capital city regional office and ask for an Observer Inspector and you should be able to get confirmation of that spec. I know a couple of met observers (through my training) and next time I'm in touch with one of them, I will ask them about those groups at the end of the messages. I'm intrigued now and want to know just what they mean. I'm sure they weren't supposed to be included; if they were then there should be some reference somewhere that we could use to decipher them. I can't find anything that would help us do that and as I've said before, there are more groups at the end of the raw message that can acutally be longer than the actual metar. It would be a real headache to try to decipher them if they were sent out with the metar.

Nautilus Blue's version of a plain language interpretation is a scary thought. God forbid that the bureaucrats ever get the idea to hit us with something like it. I still think there is room for a plain language version of a metar though.

Cheers,

Cn

[Stationair8]

Pretty close to the mark Nautilus Blue, but no warning for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Isanders, non hetro-sexual people, no interpreter service for non english speaking citizens that may arrive by boat.

[172driver]

Nautilus Blue: :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[HardCorePawn]

Login to PEMET (http://www.pemet.co.nz)

A pretty good training tool as well... as it shows the original METAR/TAF and the decode...

This service would appear to have the "blessing" of MetFlight (although they do issue the customary disclaimer as they redirect you), by including a "Plain Language" button on the MetFlight briefing screen...

Below is an example of the output, including the highlighting etc... The original also includes a translation of the ARFOR, but I removed it as it is displayed in a table and looks messy with copy/paste:

AUCKLAND

METAR NZAA 052000Z 15007KT CAVOK 18/16 Q1014 NOSIG TEMPO 2000 TSRA FEW020CB
Report issued 6th 9am Wind: gentle southeasterly (150°) 7 kt Visibility: ceiling and visibility OK
Temperature: 18°C Dewpoint:16°C QNH: 1014 hPa Weather: no significant change expected
from time to time:
Visibility: 2000 m Weather: thunderstorm with rain
Cloud (AGL): few at 2000 ft with cumulonimbus

TAF NZAA 051706Z 0518/0618 15005KT 9999 SCT030 BECMG 0520/0522 15015KT 2000FT WIND 14025KT QNH MNM 1010 MAX 1019
Forecast issued 6th 6:06am valid from 7am to 7am
Wind: light southeasterly (150°) 5 kt Visibility: 10 km or more
Cloud (AGL): scattered at 3000 ft
between 9am and 11am becoming
Wind: moderate southeasterly (150°) 15 kt
2000 ft wind: southeasterly (140°) 25 kt
QNH: min/max 1010/1019

[Angle of Attack]

METAR is heaps easier reading than the decoded form I feel, especially when you are reading through sometimes dozens of them for one flight. Yeah occasionally you might get a code for something you don't recognize but thats a rare instance indeed. Crappy weather METARS/TAFS always attract your attention they are more than a couple of lines long!

[Nautilus Blue]

Stationair8 that's because to be honest I pinched it from a US website. Really unfair to Met really, now that I think about it. Are there any other people who sell predictions AND can get in trouble if they are wrong?

Seriously though, I don't know how much more simple a METAR needs to be. A few separators here and there maybe, eg 150/007kt I think is easier to read, but Q1014 and SCT030 etc shouldn't be a problem. Also some of the wx abbrev (see what I did there) like FU and BR etc would be just as easy to spell out, bur I doubt OACI, sorry ICAO would be 'appy, non?

[Cirronimbus]

Yeah, that is right; just how simple does a metar need to be? Why does the met mob need to add all that other stuff "F9/181/015/688"? So far, no one seems to be able to work out just what it means; so why include it? I'm pretty certain that the data in question was not meant to be issued to the wider community but how would we know if we're meant to take notice of it or not?

I've issued heaps of metar/specis in my time and I can't decipher it but I'm certain that it is just some of the stuff that the automatic equipment adds to the raw message before it gets to the met guys who (should) remove it and then add TAFs (if required) before everyone else sees it.

When it does get to the end user, how are we supposed to know if it we are supposed to take notice or not? I wonder how many people out there actually take notice of the plain language that is sometimes included in the remarks section of metar/specis?

As it is, there is plenty of information that NEEDS to be taken into account without irrelevant stuff being thrown into the mix. That superfluous stuff doesn't help the end user and a lot of what is added actually doesn't need to be there in the first place. If the met guys actually need to know about whatever that stuff tells them, perhaps they should have an alternative means of getting that info?

[rmcdonal]

One fine day, possibly in the 2020s, all this will be in plain english so mere mortals don't have to struggle with this 1940s nonsense.
I already have to read 20+pages of Met and NOTAM each day I am at work, if you turn it into plain English it would be 60 pages.

[Cirronimbus]

Perhaps if plain language metars would be too cumbersome; we could do without them altogether? Perhaps the TAF on its own would be enough?

Just how much info do we need? I'm sure that a lot of that data is not really relevant. How often does anyone use the visibility that is reported from the met office? Who cares how far they can see; they're not looking up and down the runway (for eg)?

Did any of us need to know about "F9/181/015/688"? Wouldn't it be simpler for all concerned if we are only told about the met conditions that directly affect us?

[ianboag]

www.pemet.com.au

does plain language Oz met. By the same amateur (me) who did the NZ one. Works on an iPhone as well.

IB

[Spodman]

Why in this day and age should we have to decode a METAR anyway?A startling, parochial and inconsiderate view you have there. Which language is it you are insisting it be translated into???

Have a look at the Beijing TTF:

METAR ZBAA 120230Z 33007MPS CAVOK 07/M18 Q1020 NOSIG

I can read it fine, but if you had your way it would be in Mandarin, and only our PM could read it...:{

[Cirronimbus]

Hi Spodman.

Fair question you ask there; "Which language is it you are insisting it be translated into???"

Perhaps "plain" language isn't the best option but rather some "universal" language that ALL users could understand or at least have ready access to some sort of deciphering tool?

I am guessing that the wind in the Beijing metar; "33007MPS" is 330° at 07 Metres Per Second rather than in Kts like we in Australia use? I know that different countries use different units of measurement and that can cause problems in deciphering and conversions. That can make it a bit confusing for some people.

I wonder if the pilots in Beijing could decipher ""F9/181/015/688"; so far, no one here seems to understand what that means. Some of us have had a guess but the point is, if individual met services decide to add groups or data that THEY think is relevant; are we getting the best service? I'm guessing that the MPS in the Beijing metar means metres per second and I'm guessing at what the other groups in the local Metar mean. Shouldn't there at least be some sort of universal language for these Met messages or at least a ready reference for deciphering the groups in those messages? So far, no one seems to know what "F9/181/015/688" means; do we ignore it or should we know what they mean?

If it isn't relevant then it shouldn't be included; if it is relevant then there should be somewhere that we can refer to so that we can decipher this info. Anyone got any ideas on where the decoding references can be found for "F9/181/015/688"?