How to Read a TAF: Airport Forecasts Explained
A TAF is an airport forecast. It reads like a METAR, with added time groups and change groups that tell you when conditions are expected to move.
The header
TAF OMDB 161100Z 1612/1718 means a forecast for Dubai issued on day 16 at 11:00 UTC, valid from day 16 at 12:00 until day 17 at 18:00. Most TAFs cover 24 or 30 hours.
The change groups
- FM (from): conditions change at the stated time. FM161800 means from 18:00 on day 16. Everything after it replaces the earlier forecast.
- BECMG (becoming): a gradual change during the stated period, for example BECMG 1700/1702.
- TEMPO: temporary fluctuations lasting less than an hour at a time, within the stated period.
- PROB30 / PROB40: a 30 or 40 percent chance of the stated conditions.
Worked example
TAF OMDB 161100Z 1612/1718 31008KT 6000 HZ FEW030 TEMPO 1620/1624 4000 BECMG 1700/1702 36010KT
Base forecast: wind 310° at 8 knots, visibility 6,000 m in haze, few clouds at 3,000 ft. Between 20:00 and 24:00 on day 16, visibility may temporarily drop to 4,000 m. Between 00:00 and 02:00 on day 17 the wind becomes 360° at 10 knots.
Using a TAF in planning
- Look at the forecast for your estimated arrival time, plus and minus one hour.
- Take the worst applicable group, including TEMPO and PROB, when deciding on fuel and alternates.
- Check the issue time. A TAF can be amended, and the latest one wins.
FAQ
What does NSW mean in a TAF?
No significant weather. It ends a weather condition that was forecast earlier in the TAF.
How is a TAF different from a METAR?
A METAR reports what the weather is now. A TAF forecasts what it will be over the next day or so.
More guides
- How to Calculate Crosswind and Headwind Components
- How to Read a METAR: A Plain-English Guide
- What Is in an ICAO Flight Plan? Every Item Explained
- The Wind Triangle Explained: Heading, Ground Speed and Drift
- FAA Part 117 Explained: Flight Time, Duty Period and Rest
- Flight Fuel Planning Explained: Trip, Contingency, Alternate and Reserve
- Density Altitude Explained: How Heat and Height Cut Performance
- How to File a Flight Plan: Steps for Pilots and Dispatchers
- How to Read a NOTAM: ICAO Format Explained
For training and reference only. Check official sources before any real flight.