AVIATION WEATHER PRODUCTS

Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)

Bureau of Meteorology › Weather Services › Aviation

A TAF is a coded statement of meteorological conditions expected

at an aerodrome and within a radius of five nautical miles of the
aerodrome reference point.

The format of an Australian TAF is as follows:

NIL

TAF or
TAF AMD or Location Issue Time Validity CNL
TAF COR
VIS WX CLD

Validity Wind

CAVOK

TAF AMD YMML 292330Z

3000/3106 14008KT 9999 significant
VIS WX CLD

NSW SCT030 changes FM or Time Wind

to mean BECMG
FM301100 14003KT 3000 HZ conditions
CAVOK
BKN009
PROB40 3017/3023 0400 FG significant
variations PROB% INTER or Start Finish
RMK from mean (30 or 40%) TEMPO Time Time
Wind VIS WX CLD
conditions
T 14 15 17 14 Q 1016 1014 only used not used
for TS for fog
1013 1014
TS CLD
probability PROB% Start Finish VIS
of TS or poor Time
(30 or 40%) Time
visibility
Fog, Mist, Dust, Smoke or Sand CLD

RMK

significant MOD TURB or

Start Finish
low level FM MOD/SEV TURB or BLW.............FT TILL
Time Time
turbulence SEV TURB

TEMP QNH The following lines will only

be included as required

Indicates elements which may

or may not be inluded in line

Explanation of TAF Elements

Identifier
TAF Aerodrome Forecast
TAF AMD Amended Aerodrome Forecast
TAF COR Corrected Aerodrome Forecast
TAF .. CNL Cancelled Aerodrome Forecast
TAF .. NIL Aerodrome Forecast will not be issued
PROV TAF Provisional Aerodrome Forecast
Code Weather Descriptor
Location
MI shallow The location is given by either an ICAO location indicator or an approved Airservices
Australia abbreviation.
BC patches
PR partial Issue Time
DR drifting The issue time of the TAF is expressed in a six-figure group followed by the code letter
BL blowing Z, e.g. 202230Z gives an issue time of 2230 on the 20th day of the month UTC.
SH showers Validity
FZ freezing The period of validity is given in the format ddhh/ddhh, where dd is day of the month
TS thunderstorm and hh is hour UTC, e.g. 2100/2206, which gives a 30 hour validity period from 0000
on the 21st to 0600 on the 22nd UTC. Note that 00 is used to indicate periods of
Code Weather Phenomena validity beginning at 0000 UTC; and 24 is used to indicate periods of validity ending at
2400 UTC.
DZ drizzle
RA rain Wind
GR hail The wind direction is given in degrees True, rounded to the nearest 10 degrees. A
SN snow variable wind direction is given as VRB (used when the forecasting of a mean wind
direction is not possible).
SG snow grains
DU dust The wind speed is given in knots (KT).
SA sand
The maximum wind gust is included, after the letter G, if it is expected to exceed the
SS sandstorm mean by 10 knots or more, e.g. 28020G30KT gives a wind direction of 280° True, with
DS duststorm a mean speed of 20 knots, and a maximum gust of 30 knots.
GS small hail/snow pellets
Visibility
FG fog
The horizontal visibility is given in metres in increments of 50 metres when visibility is
BR mist forecast to be less than 800 metres; in increments of 100 metres when forecast to be
FU smoke 800 metres or more but less than 5,000 metres; and in increments of 1,000 metres
when forecast to be 5,000 or more but less than 10,000 metres. Visibility is always
HZ haze
given in a four figure group: e.g. 500 metres is given as 0500. Forecast visibilities of 10
PO dust devil
kilometres or more are given as 9999. Visibility is not given when CAVOK is forecast.
SQ squall
FC funnel cloud
Weather
Forecast weather is expressed using the abbreviations in the tables on the left.
VA volcanic ash
IC ice crystals Intensity is indicated for precipitation, duststorms, sandstorms and funnel clouds
PL ice pellets (tornadoes and water spouts). In these cases, the weather group is prefixed by
- for light and + for heavy; moderate intensity has no prefix, e.g. +TSRA means
thunderstorm with heavy rain; DZ means moderate drizzle; -RA means light rain.
Prefix Weather Intensity
+ Heavy After a change group, if the weather ceases to be significant, the weather group is
no replaced by NSW (nil significant weather) or CAVOK if appropriate.
prefix Moderate

- Light Cloud
Cloud information is restricted to cloud with a base below 5000 feet or the highest 25
nautical mile minimum sector altitude, whichever is greater, and cumulonimbus (CB)
Code Cloud Amount
and towering cumulus (TCU) at any height. It is given from the lowest to the highest
FEW few (1 to 2 oktas)
layers in accordance with the following rules:
SCT scattered (3 to 4 oktas)
BKN broken (5 to 7 oktas) • 1st group: the lowest layer regardless of amount
OVC overcast (8 oktas) • 2nd group: the next layer covering more than 2 oktas

NSC nil significant cloud • 3rd group: the next higher layer covering more than 4 oktas
• Extra group for cumulonimbus when forecast but not at any of the layer heights
SKC sky clear
given above.

Code Cloud Type Cloud amount is given using the following abbreviations in the table on the left. Cloud
height is given as a three-figure group in hundreds of feet above the aerodrome, e.g.
CB Cumulonimbus
cloud at 700 feet above the aerodrome is shown as 007.
TCU Towering Cumulus
Cloud type is identified only for CB and TCU, e.g. FEW030CB.
in the TAF "Cloud type" is mentioned only if its "CB" or "
TCU"! (remember on the GAF they mention all types of
clouds!)
CAVOK
The abbreviation CAVOK (Cloud And Visibility and weather OK) is used when the
following conditions are forecast simultaneously:
• Visibility is 10 kilometres or more
• No cloud below 5000 feet or below the highest 25 nautical mile minimum sector
altitude whichever is the higher; and no cumulonimbus at any height
• No weather of significance, i.e. none of the weather listed in the weather table

Significant Changes and Variations (FM, BECMG, INTER, TEMPO)

Significant changes and variations will be included when the changes and variations
are expected to satisfy amendment criteria. It should be noted that these changes
relate to improvements as well as deteriorations.

The term FM is used when one set of prevailing weather conditions is expected to
rapidly change to a different set of prevailing weather conditions. The indicator is the
beginning of a self-contained forecast, with the new conditions applying until the end
period of the forecast or until the commencement time of another FM or BECMG group.

The term BECMG is used when one set of prevailing weather conditions is expected
to change, during the given period, to a different set of prevailing weather conditions.
The indicator is the beginning of a self-contained forecast, with the new conditions
applying until the end period of the forecast, or until the commencement time of
another BECMG or FM group.

Following any change group (FM or BECMG) there will be information on wind,
visibility, weather and cloud; except when CAVOK is given or when fog is forecast.

Following any change group (FM or BECMG) when there is nil significant weather
forecast the abbreviation NSW is used; and the abbreviation SKC will be used when
the sky is forecast to be clear.

The terms TEMPO and INTER are used to indicate significant temporary or
intermittent variations from the prevailing conditions previously given in the TAF.
TEMPO is used for periods of 30 minutes or more but less than 60 minutes. INTER is
used for periods less than 30 minutes.

PROB
The term PROB is used in TAF (it is not used in TTF) if the estimated probability of
occurrence is 30 or 40% (probabilities of less than 30% are not given), and is only
used with reference to thunderstorms or poor visibility (less than the alternate
minimum) resulting from fog, mist, dust, smoke or sand. If the estimated probability
of occurrence is equal to or greater than 50%, then reference to PROB is not
included. When using PROB with thunderstorms, INTER and TEMPO are also included
whenever appropriate to indicate the probable duration. Where PROB is used without
one of these, the likely period of occurrence will be deemed to be one hour or more.
For example:

PROB30 INTER 1205/1211 5000 -TSRA BKN040CB

indicates a 30% probability of deteriorations of less than 30 minutes due to
thunderstorms with light rain between 0500 and 1100 UTC on the 12th.
PROB40 TEMPO 1102/1113 3000 TSRA BKN040CB
indicates a 40% probability of deteriorations of 30 minutes or more but less than
60 minutes due to thunderstorms with moderate rain between 0200 and 1300
UTC on the 11th.
PROB30 1005/1014 1000 +TSRA BKN040CB
indicates a 30% probability of deteriorations of one hour or more due to
thunderstorms with heavy rain between 0500 and 1400 UTC on the 10th.
 RMK (remarks) precedes information on Turbulence (if forecast), Temperatures and QNH

Turbulence
Special reference is made in TAF to hazardous turbulence, other than that associated
with CB and TCU, that may endanger aircraft or adversely affect their safe or efficient
operation. The TAF contains information on commencement time (FMddhhmm), the
expected intensity (moderate [MOD] or severe [SEV]) and the vertical extent (BLW....
FT). TILLddhhmm is used to indicate the cessation of the turbulence when this is
expected before the end of the TAF validity.

Air Temperature
Air temperature, preceded by the letter T, is given in whole degrees celsius using two
figures. If the temperature is below zero, the value is prefixed by the letter M (minus).
Forecasts of air temperature are given at three-hourly intervals, for a maximum of nine
hours, from the time of commencement of validity of the forecast. They are given for
the times HH, HH+3, HH+6 and HH+9, where HH is the time of the commencement
of the TAF validity. They are point forecasts for these times, and users should use
linear interpolation to determine the forecast value between these points.

QNH
QNH, preceded by the letter Q, is given in whole hectopascals using four figures.
Forecasts of QNH are given at three-hourly intervals, for a maximum of nine hours,
from the time of commencement of validity of the forecast. They are given for the
times HH, HH+3, HH+6 and HH+9, where HH is the time of the commencement of
the TAF validity. They are point forecasts for these times, and users should use linear
interpolation to determine the forecast value between these points.

TAF Examples
TAF YMAY 022230Z 0300/0312 35010KT CAVOK
FM030800 31018KT 9999 SHRA BKN025 OVC100
INTER 0308/0312 31020G40KT 3000 +TSRA BKN010 SCT040CB
RMK FM030600 MOD TURB BLW 5000FT
T 23 24 28 33 Q 1012 1013 1014 1009

FORECAST DECODE

TAF Aerodrome Forecast

YMAY Location indicator for Albury Airport
Aerial view of Albury Airport, courtesy 022230Z TAF issued at 2230 on the 2nd day of the month UTC
of Creative Commons. 0300/0312 Validity period of TAF is from 0000 to 1200, on the 3rd day of the
month UTC
35010KT Wind will be from the north (350 degrees True) at 10 knots
CAVOK Cloud, visibility and weather ok
FM030800 Significant changes to the mean conditions are expected to
commence from 0800 on the 3rd UTC, and to persist (at least) until
the end of the forecast period.
FM

0000 0800 1200

TAF TAF
Note that there will be intermittent variations to the new mean conditions
START FINISH
(refer INTER below)

31018KT Wind will be from the northwest (310 degrees True) at 18 knots
9999 Visibility will be 10 kilometres or more
SHRA Weather will be moderate showers of rain
BKN025 Cloud will be broken (5 to 7 oktas) with base at 2500 feet above the
 aerodrome
OVC100 There will also be overcast cloud (8 oktas) with base at 10000 feet
INTER There will be intermittent (periods of less than 30 minutes) variations
0308/0312 to the previously given mean conditions. Period of INTER is 0800 to
1200 on the 3rd UTC
INTER START

0000 0800 1200

TAF <30 <30 TAF

START Mins Mins FINISH

31020G40KT Intermittently the wind will be from the northwest (310 degrees True)
at 20 knots gusting to 40 knots
3000 Visibility will be 3000 metres
+TSRA Weather will be thunderstorms with heavy rain
BKN010 Cloud will be broken (5 to 7 oktas) with base at 1000 feet above the
aerodrome
SCT040CB There will also be 3 to 4 oktas of cumulonimbus cloud with base at
4000 feet
RMK Remarks section follows
FM030600 From 0600 on the 3rd UTC, expect moderate turbulence below
TURB BLW 5000 feet
5000FT
T 23 24 28 33 Forecast air temperatures at 00, 03, 06 and 09 UTC are 23, 24, 28
and 33°
Q 1012 1013 Forecast QNH at 00, 03, 06 and 09 UTC are 1012, 1013, 1014 and
1014 1009 1009hPa.

TAF COR YMLT 212240Z 2200/2218 31015G28KT 6000 -RA BKN010 OVC100
TEMPO 2209/2218 2000 +TSRA BKN005 SCT040CB
RMK
T 25 21 18 15 Q 1014 1013 1013 1011

TAF DECODE

TAF Aerodrome Forecast

COR This TAF is a correction to the previously issued TAF
YMLT Location Indicator for Launceston Airport
Launceston Airport, photo by 212240Z TAF issued at 2240 on the 21st day of the month UTC
K Spilling, courtesy of Creative
Commons. 2200/2218 Validity period of TAF is from 0000 until 1800 on the 22nd of the
month UTC
31015G28KT Mean wind is expected to be from 310 degrees True at 15 knots with
gusts to 28 knots
6000 Visibility will be 6000 metres
-RA Weather will be light rain
BKN010 Cloud will be broken (5 to 7 octas), with base at 1000 feet above the
aerodrome
OVC100 There will also be overcast cloud, with base at 10,000 feet above the
aerodrome
TEMPO There will be temporary variations (periods of 30 to 60 minutes), to
2209/2218 the previously given mean conditions, during the period 0900 to 1800
on the 22nd.
2000 Visibility will be 2000 metres
+TSRA Weather will be thunderstorms with heavy rain showers
BKN005 There will be broken (5 to 7 oktas) cloud with base at 500 feet above
 the aerodrome
SCT040CB There will also be scattered (3 to 4 oktas) cumulonmbus cloud with
base at 4000 feet above the aerodrome
RMK Remarks section follows
T 25 21 18 15 Forecast air temperatures at 00, 03, 06 and 09 UTC are 25, 21, 18
and 15°C
Q 1014 1013 Forecast QNH at 00, 03, 06 and 09 UTC are 1014, 1013, 1013 and
1013 1011 1011hPa

TAF AMD YMML 292330Z 3000/3106 14008KT 9999 NSW SCT030

FM301100 14003KT 3000 HZ BKN009
PROB40 3017/3023 0400 FG
RMK
T 14 15 17 14 Q 1016 1014 1013 1014

TAF DECODE

TAF Aerodrome Forecast

Melbourne Airport, courtesy of AMD This TAF amends the previously issued TAF
Creative Commons. YMML Location indicator for Melbourne Airport
292230Z TAF issued at 2230 on the 29th day of the month UTC
3000/3106 Validity period of TAF is from 0000 on the 30th until 0600 on the 31st
UTC
14008KT Mean wind is expected to be from the southeast (140 degrees True)
at 8 knots
9999 Visibility will be 10 kilometres or more
NSW There will be nil significant weather
SCT030 Cloud will be scattered (3 to 4 oktas), with base at 3000 feet above
the aerodrome
FM301100 Significant new mean conditions are expected from 1100 on the 30th
UTC
14003KT Mean wind is expected to be from 150 degrees True at 3 knots
3000 Visibility will be 3 kilometres
HZ Weather will be haze
BKN009 Cloud will be broken (5 to 7 oktas), with base at 900 feet above the
aerodrome
PROB40 There is a 40% probability of conditions being the following during
the 3017/3023 period 1700 to 2300 on the 30th
0400 Visibility of 400 metres
FG Fog
RMK Remarks section follows
T 14 15 17 14 Forecast air temperatures at 00, 06, 09 and 12 UTC are 14, 15, 17
and 14°C
Q 1016 1014 Forecast QNH at 00, 06, 09 and 12 UTC are 1016, 1014, 1013 and
1013 1014 1014hPa

Airservices Australia is the official distributor of aviation forecasts, warnings and observations
issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. Airservices’ flight briefing services are available at
www.airservicesaustralia.com. Telephone contact details for elaborative briefings are contained
in Airservices’ Aeronautical Information Publication Australia (AIP), which is available online
through their website.
Other brochures produced by the Bureau of Meteorology’s aviation weather services program
can be found at www.bom.gov.au/aviation/knowledge-centre.
A vertical line in the right-hand margin indicates a text amendment since last update.

© Commonwealth of Australia, 15 July 2013