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Quizzes > Science > Earth & Space Science

Master METAR Reading: Free Practice Quiz

Think you can ace this metar quiz? Dive into metar reading practice today!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Metar Practice Quiz testing METAR reading skills on teal background

Gear up for the ultimate metar practice with our Free METAR Practice Quiz! This metar quiz is your ticket to sharpening metar reading practice, from decoding wind, visibility, and temperature to mastering barometric pressure - all essential for pilots, dispatchers, and weather buffs alike. You'll dive into realistic practice metars, push your skills in our interactive meteorology quiz, and explore critical altimeter details in a targeted altimeter reading quiz . Ready to test your weather acumen and boost confidence? Let's start decoding the skies - take the quiz now!

What does the wind group "18012KT" indicate?
Variable wind between 180° and 12 knots
Wind from 180° gusting to 12 knots
Wind from 180° at 12 knots
Wind from 12° at 180 knots
The METAR wind group is formatted as dddffKT, where ddd is wind direction in degrees true and ff is speed in knots. "18012KT" thus indicates wind blowing from 180° at a steady 12 knots. This does not include any gust information. For more details on METAR wind encoding, see Aviation Weather Center METAR.
In a METAR report, what does the visibility reading "5SM" represent?
Visibility of 500 meters
Visibility of 5 nautical miles
Visibility of 5 statute miles
Visibility of 5 kilometers
In U.S. METAR reports, visibility is reported in statute miles (SM). Therefore, "5SM" indicates a visibility of five statute miles. This differs from international METARs which may use meters. For further explanation, visit NOAA METAR Documentation.
A METAR reports the group "22/14". What do these values represent?
Altimeter setting 22.14 inches Hg
Temperature 22°C and dew point - 14°C
Temperature 22°C and dew point 14°C
Temperature 14°C and dew point 22°C
In METAR, the temperature/dew point group is formatted as TT/DD in degrees Celsius. The first number is the air temperature and the second is the dew point. Thus "22/14" means the temperature is 22°C and the dew point is 14°C. See METAR Help for more details.
In a METAR, what does the wind group "15015G25KT" indicate?
Wind from 150° at 15 knots gusting to 25 knots
Wind gusting 15 to 25 knots with a steady 150° direction
Wind from 15° at 150 knots gusting to 25 knots
Variable wind between 15 and 25 knots from 150°
The METAR wind group dddffGggKT encodes wind direction (ddd), speed (ff), and gusts (Ggg) in knots. "15015G25KT" means wind from 150° at 15 knots with gusts up to 25 knots. This distinguishes between steady wind and peak gust values. For more, see FAA METAR Guide.
What does the altimeter group "A2992" represent in a METAR?
299.2 inches of mercury
2992 hectopascals
29.92 millibars
29.92 inches of mercury
In U.S. METARs, the altimeter setting is given as Axxxx, where xxxx is pressure in hundredths of inches Hg. "A2992" corresponds to 29.92 inHg. Internationally, QNH in hPa may be used instead. More information is available at Aviation Weather Center.
In METAR coding, what does the cloud group "OVC025" indicate?
Overcast at 2,500 feet AGL
Broken clouds at 2,500 feet AGL
Scattered clouds at 2,500 feet AGL
Overcast at 25,000 feet AGL
Cloud coverage in METAR is given with a three-letter code plus height in hundreds of feet AGL. "OVC" means overcast and "025" means 2,500 feet. Thus "OVC025" is an overcast layer at 2,500 ft above ground level. See METAR Cloud Codes.
What does the trend qualifier "TEMPO 2224/2226 2SM -RA" mean in a METAR?
Permanent changes after 22:26 UTC with continuous moderate rain and 2 SM visibility
Temporary fluctuations between 22:24 and 22:26 UTC with visibility 2 SM and light rain
Conditions becoming between 22:24 and 22:26 UTC with visibility 2 SM and light rain
Temporary wind gusts between 22:24 and 22:26 UTC with light rain
The TREND group "TEMPO" indicates temporary fluctuations expected to last less than an hour at a time. The time segment "2224/2226" defines the forecast period in UTC. "2SM -RA" means visibility of 2 statute miles in light rain during those temporary conditions. Further reading is available at Aviation Weather Center METAR Help.
In a METAR report, what does the cloud descriptor "SCT040CB" indicate?
Scattered cumulonimbus clouds at 4,000 feet AGL
Scattered cumulus clouds at 4,000 feet AGL
Scattered cirrus clouds at 4,000 feet AGL
Scattered stratocumulus clouds at 4,000 feet AGL
"SCT" denotes scattered coverage (3 - 4 oktas) and "040" indicates 4,000 feet AGL. The suffix "CB" specifies cumulonimbus cloud type. Thus "SCT040CB" means scattered cumulonimbus at 4,000 ft. For details on cloud type codes, visit METAR Cloud Codes.
What does the remark "AO2" signify in the remarks section of a METAR?
Automated station measuring only temperature and pressure
Automated station with precipitation sensor
Manual observation station requiring human augmentation
Automated station without precipitation sensor
In METAR remarks, "AO1" indicates an automated station without precipitation discriminator, while "AO2" indicates an automated station equipped with a precipitation sensor. This helps users know if observed precipitation is measured or reported manually. See Aviation Weather Center METAR Help for more on station identifiers.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Interpret METAR Reports -

    Understand the structure and components of METAR codes through our metar practice quiz, enabling you to quickly recognize key report elements.

  2. Decode Wind Information -

    Analyze wind direction and speed entries in practice metars to accurately determine aviation-critical wind patterns.

  3. Evaluate Visibility and Weather Conditions -

    Assess visibility ranges and weather phenomena within METAR reports to make informed decisions in varied flight scenarios.

  4. Calculate Temperature and Dew Point -

    Apply your metar reading practice to interpret temperature and dew point data, improving your understanding of atmospheric conditions.

  5. Apply Altimeter Settings -

    Learn to extract and set accurate altimeter values from METAR codes, ensuring precise altitude calculations for safe flight operations.

  6. Build Confidence for Real-World Use -

    Leverage this free metar quiz to reinforce your skills, boosting confidence and readiness for actual aviation weather interpretation challenges.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Wind Group Decoding -

    Master the wind group by parsing "27015G25KT" into 270° true direction, 15-knot steady wind, gusting to 25 knots. Use the mnemonic "DDD-SS[G-GG]-KT" (Direction, Speed, [Gust], Knots) from the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). This builds confidence in spotting crosswinds and gust factors in your metar practice.

  2. Visibility and RVR Interpretation -

    Interpret prevailing visibility in statute miles (e.g., "1/4SM") or meters for RVR (e.g., "R23/2400FT") by noting fractions and runway identifiers. ICAO Annex 3 and NOAA guidelines explain how to read "P6SM" as "greater than six miles" and RVR values by runway. Practicing these distinctions in a metar reading practice session helps you gauge safe landing minima confidently.

  3. Temperature/Dew Point Pairs -

    Decode temperature and dew point as "TT/DD" (e.g., "10/08") with "M" indicating minus for sub-zero values (e.g., "M03/M07"). Remember the motto "M adds Minus" and consult FAA AC00-6B for conversion standards. Regular metar quiz practice cements your ability to assess humidity and frost risk quickly.

  4. Altimeter Settings (QNH vs. QFE) -

    Read the pressure group "A2992" as 29.92 inHg and "Q1013" as 1013 hPa for international use by ICAO standards. The formula to switch units is in the UK Met Office MET Guide or FAA AIM: hPa × 0.02953 = inHg (e.g., 1013 × 0.02953 ≈ 29.92). Solid metar reading practice makes setting cockpit instruments second nature.

  5. Weather Phenomena Symbols -

    Memorize intensity and descriptor codes like "+TSRA" for heavy thunderstorms with rain or "-DZ" for light drizzle, as defined by the WMO and ICAO Annex 3. Use the simple phrase "Dot, Dash, Plus" to recall light (-), moderate (no symbol), and heavy (+) qualifiers before the two-letter phenomena code. Practicing with practice metars ensures you'll spot critical weather hazards instantly during pre-flight checks.

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