What does NIL mean on a metar

[unusualAtitude]

The following appears for Knock (5/apr/10)

METAR
METAR EIKN NIL=
METAR EIKN NIL=
METAR EIKN NIL=
METAR EIKN NIL=

I'm unable to find the exact meaning of 'nil' in ref to a metar in any abbreviation list.

'Wx nil' can mean NoSig=
On a snowtam it means 'Clear and dry' in ref to rwy contamination.

It would appear that none is available for EIKN.

Any pointers?

uA.....

[potkettleblack]

WAFC Washington Global METAR/TAF Collectives (http://www.weather.gov/tg/metarwfs.html)

More than likely there wasn't a suitably qualified met ATCO to push the button and send off the metar. Hence nothing got reported.

[unusualAtitude]

Thanx potkettleblack for the link.

I have CPL flight test soon.


uA....:ok:

[Airbus_a321]

@unusualAtitude
NIL is derived from the Roman language Latin NIHIL
....means: no, none, nothing, not anything etc.,pp..:8

[Tail Wags Dog]

METAR reports are generated at aerodrome level and are sent to the state Met authority for insertion into a collective and onward distribution. Typically there is a locally defined time window for the state authority to receive the METAR report. If this time window is missed the METAR is shown as a 'NIL' in the main bulletin and distributed later.

'NIL' can also be used when no report is issued when it would otherwise have have been, e.g. during ATC strikes etc.

[the_bookkeeper]

NIL=No Item Listed