How can the visibility in a METAR/SPECI transmitted coded report be identified?

In a METAR or SPECI report, visibility is indicated by "SM," which stands for statute miles. This designation appears at the end of the visibility group within the report. For example, if a METAR report states visibility as "10SM," it means that the visibility is ten statute miles.

Visibility is an important element in weather reporting as it provides crucial information for flight operations, driving conditions, and outdoor activities. The use of "SM" specifically signifies that the reported visibility is in units of statute miles, allowing users to quickly and accurately understand the conditions.

Other choices do not represent visibility correctly or are part of different segments of the METAR report. "VIS," for instance, does not appear in normal visibility reporting in METARs or SPCIs; instead, visibility is simply followed by the value and the "SM." Similarly, "V" following the wind group refers to variable direction and does not indicate visibility. The option with "M" is not relevant to how visibility is reported either. Therefore, "SM" at the end of the visibility group is the definitive way to identify visibility in these coded reports.