METAR reports are valid for what duration?

• A. Only at the time of observation; not a forecast
• B. 24 hours
• C. 6 hours
• D. 12 hours

Answer: (A)

METARs are snapshots of current weather at a station, recorded at a specific time. They are not forecasts, so they don’t cover a future period. The information is considered current only for the moment of observation and is superseded by the next METAR when new data are issued. If you need forecasted conditions, you’d look to a TAF, which provides a planned outlook for a defined period (such as 6, 12, or 24 hours).