How long is a METAR report valid?

A METAR report is typically considered valid for a duration of 1 hour after its issuance. These aviation routine weather reports provide essential information about the current weather conditions at an airport, including temperature, dew point, wind direction and speed, visibility, and other relevant meteorological data.

The 1-hour validity period is standard practice and reflects the dynamic nature of weather, which can change rapidly, especially in aviation settings. After this hour, while the information in the METAR may still hold some relevance, it does not accurately convey the current weather conditions, warranting the need for newer reports to reflect the latest data.

This understanding is crucial for pilots and aviation professionals, as they rely on timely and accurate weather information for safe flight operations.