TAF

[LTNman]

Why are they not published in plain english?

This is the TAF for LTN

EGGW 221058Z 2212/2312 33015KT 9999 SCT030 TEMPO 2209/2215 33017G27KT BECMG 2223/2302 27006KT BECMG 2305/2307 -RASN BKN006 TEMPO 2307/2310 3500 RASN BR BKN003 PROB40 TEMPO 2307/2310 0800 SN VV/// BECMG 2310/2312 5000 RA.

So what's that all about? I just want to know if it is going to snow?

[tubby linton]

Yes,tomorrow morning!
All forecasts have been amended to show a date time group e.g 2307.

[Sky Wave]

EGGW 221058Z 2212/2312 33015KT 9999 SCT030 TEMPO 2209/2215 33017G27KT BECMG 2223/2302 27006KT BECMG 2305/2307 -RASN BKN006 TEMPO 2307/2310 3500 RASN BR BKN003 PROB40 TEMPO 2307/2310 0800 SN VV/// BECMG 2310/2312 5000 RA.

Here Goes:

EGGW : Airport is Luton
221058Z : Issued at 10:58z on the 22nd
2212/2312 : Valid between 12:00z 22nd and 12:00z on the 23rd
33015KT : Wind 330 degrees at 15 knots
9999 : Greter than 10km Visibility
SCT030 : Cloud Scattered at 3000ft
TEMPO 2209/2215 : Temporary Periods between 09:00z and 15:00z
33017G27KT : Wind 330 degrees at 17 knots with gust up to 27 knots

BECMG 2223/2302: Becoming between 23:00 and 02:00

27006KT : Wind 270 degrees at 6 knots

BECMG 2305/2307: Becoming between 05:00 and 07:00 (on the 23rd)
-RASN : Light Rain and Snow
BKN006 : Cloud Broken at 600ft

TEMPO 2307/2310 : Temporary periods between 07:00 and 10:00 on the 23rd
of
3500 : 3500m visibility
RASN : Moderate Rain and Snow
BR: Mist
BKN003 : Cloud Broken at 300ft

PROB40:L 40% chance of
TEMPO 2307/2310: Temporary Period between 07:00 and 10:00
0800: 800m Visibility
SN : Moderate Snow
VV///: No vertical visibility
BECMG 2310/2312

Becoming between 10:00 and 12:00
5000 RA : 5000m visibility in moderate rain

So in answer to your question. It's forecast to snow tomorrow morning.

SW

Edited to correct typo spotted by minijumbo

[mini-jumbo]

TEMPO 2209/2215 : Temporary Periods between 23:00z and 02:00z

TEMPO 2209/2215: 0900 on the 22nd until 1500 on the 22nd

[LTNman]

Thanks guys, I post this then go down stairs for a haircut and I have 3 replies on my return.

BUT why are TAF's not published in plain English?

[Sky Wave]

Plain English would take up too much space. Just look how much space I used above.

For those of us that don't have ACARS fitted to out aircraft we have to copy the weather down from a radio broadcast. Some of these are read out extremely fast. I can just about keep up if I write using the standard abbreviations. I'd stand no chance if I was trying to write it down in English.

This format is easily understood with practice.

If you want a decoded version of the TAF's take a look at this website.
Weather : London-Luton England

SW

[Scottie Dog]

Very simply because they are written for the professional aviator who cam easily scan the forecast - especially when English may not be his first language.

Also look how long it takes to type it out in full!!

[LTNman]

If you want a decoded version of the TAF's take a look at this website.
Weather : London-Luton England

Ahhh, Just what I wanted. Bookmarked for future reference.

Many thanks