Surface Weather Observer Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is the standard unit of temperature measurement in meteorology?
• Which factor contributes most significantly to the formation of sleet?
• Under what conditions are wind directions rounded in aviation reports?
• A METAR observation contains how many sections?
• What type of activity is included in present weather assessments for safety?
• What is the significance of the COR modifier in a weather observation report?
• Which cloud type is typically associated with overcast skies but generally does not produce halos?
• What is the minimum retention period for records of past observations according to standard procedures?
• When should a SPECI observation be reported?
• What does TSRAPE stand for in meteorological terms?
• How is the severity of rain categorized according to intensity indicators?
• What system is recommended for conducting observations at the official station?
• What does the term "vicinity" refer to in surface weather observations?
• What is the typical format for reporting wind in METAR reports?
• What would typically indicate a cold front approaching?
• Which of the following best describes an anemometer?
• What does the term 'visibility' refer to in weather observations?
• Which instrument is used specifically to measure precipitation?
• What units are used for wind reports in aviation weather reports?
• How many sectors can the horizon circle be divided into when determining the prevailing visibility?
• How does humidity affect temperature perception?
• How is visibility impacted during a snow event categorized as low drifting snow?
• Where is the Runway Visual Range (RVR) group reported in a METAR/SPECI report?
• What does "TS FZRA" report in terms of weather conditions?
• What does the term "gust" refer to in wind measurement?
• When describing visibility, what measurement could potentially be used?
• Which object is most suitable for determining nighttime visibility?
• What is the purpose of a proximity qualifier in weather reporting?
• What does an RVR value of 600 feet indicate for runway 02 left?
• After a thunderstorm, how long should you wait before reporting it has ended?
• In the case of multiple observations, which is the standard for documenting the prevailing visibility?
• What meteorological condition is quantified by "visibility less than 1/4 mile"?
• What should you do if you decide that the normal procedures in your station's Handbook are inappropriate during observations?
• What is the significance of a trough in a weather map?
• If an error is discovered in your observation after reporting it to the tower, how should you correct it?
• How does evaporation contribute to the weather?
• What does "PRFG" indicate in surface weather observation?
• How would you classify an observation reporting that visibility is "varies rapidly”?
• What is the primary difference between advection and convection?
• What is the most common type of air mass affecting the central United States?
• A gust is reported when the wind speed fluctuates at least how many knots between peaks and lulls?
• What atmospheric condition is often present when a cold front passes?
• What is the primary purpose of METAR reports?
• What indication is given for runway visual range (RVR) when a station does not have RVR equipment?
• The time of observation for NWS is recorded in which format?
• The primary observation code for reporting surface meteorological data in the U.S. is?
• If SPECI criteria are met at the time a METAR observation is due, how is it reported?
• What is the recommended action to allow your eyes to adjust at night for taking observations?
• If visibility measures 2 3/8 miles, how would it be reported?
• Which of the following conditions is reported as an obscuration?
• When is volcanic ash reported in surface weather observations?
• If prevailing visibility is two miles, but it is one and one-half miles to the south, how would that be reported?
• What type of radar technology is primarily used to analyze storm systems?
• Which abbreviation represents blowing sand in weather reporting?
• What does DRDU stand for in weather observations?
• What is the definition of precipitation in meteorological terms?
• What does "+FC TSRA BR" denote in a weather report?
• What type of front is typically associated with stormy weather?
• What meteorological instrument is best for measuring wind direction?
• What distinguishes blowing snow from low drifting snow regarding visibility?
• What does an RVR value of 2400 feet indicate for runway 22?
• What effect does mist have on visibility as compared to snow?
• What does "overcast" mean in relation to cloud cover?
• What weather condition is associated with the abbreviation -TSRA?
• How many minutes prior to observation must gusts be recorded for them to be included in column 5, MF1M-10?
• What does the code MIFG signify in weather reporting?
• Which type of cloud often brings precipitation and is thicker than cumulus clouds?
• What intensity indicator corresponds with heavy rain?
• Which wind parameter is not included in the body of the METAR/SPECI wind element?
• What must be observed for a wind direction shift to be registered?
• What does humidity measure in the atmosphere?
• Which criteria must be satisfied for variable visibility to be reported?
• What is the Fahrenheit equivalent of a temperature reading of "20°C"?
• What does the code DRSN mean?
• What is the difference between freezing rain and sleet?
• What method is typically used to measure wind speed?
• What is the criteria for reporting the end of a thunderstorm?
• What is one common use of weather balloons in meteorology?
• What is the required speed for wind shifts to be accurately reported?
• Which of the following situations would meet the SPECI criteria?
• What type of precipitation does "RASN" include in its description?
• What action should a Surface Weather Observer take if they observe a lightning strike nearby?
• Under what condition can you omit taking a SPECI when notified of an aircraft mishap?
• What factor is essential for the formation of clouds?
• What does a visibility of "3 SM" in a METAR report refer to?
• What is the essential difference between gusts and squalls?
• Which term is used to represent blowing spray in meteorology?
• What types of weather are characteristic of cirrus clouds?
• Which of the following describes a thunderstorm with moderate rain and small hail?
• How is prevailing visibility described if the observed visibility is noted as varying between three to five miles?
• A wind shift is accompanied by a cold frontal passage that began 30 minutes after the hour. How would this be coded?
• What does the code for moderate precipitation look like?
• Which indicator would correlate with light precipitation?
• During what conditions would you likely see 'frost'?
• Which characteristic helps distinguish cirrostratus clouds from altostratus clouds?
• Which instrument is commonly used to measure atmospheric pressure?
• What is a common implication of high dew point readings?
• What should be done if visibility is affected by mixed weather phenomena like light snow and haze?
• Which instrument is primarily used to measure atmospheric pressure?
• When taking a visibility observation, where should the observation be taken from?
• What can affect visibility in weather observations?
• Who is authorized to take weather observations?
• Visibility is reported to the nearest mile when it falls within which range?
• What is the correct report format for a peak wind of 36 knots from 090° observed at 45 minutes after the hour?
• When reading a METAR, what does "NSW" stand for?
• What does it mean when a METAR report indicates “CAVOK”?
• What does "RASN BR" signify in weather conditions?
• What information does a three-dimensional wind profile provide?
• The ICAO identifier for reporting uses how many letters?
• What role does the Coriolis effect play in weather systems?
• What is the prevailing visibility if observed values are N 3, NE 2 1/2, E 1, SE 3/4, S 2, SW 3 1/2, W 4, NW 2 3/4?
• Which of the following describes moderate ice pellet showers?
• Which object can typically be seen at maximum visibility distances?
• Why should more time be allowed for observations at night compared to during the day?
• Given varying observations, how is prevailing visibility reported?
• How does temperature inversion affect air quality?
• What does the abbreviation "RMK" in visibility reports usually signify?
• Which cloud type is typically associated with thunderstorms?
• In a manual observation, what is the only report modifier used?
• What parameters are included in the body of the METAR wind element?
• What does the term "frontogenesis" refer to in weather systems?
• What defines a "severe thunderstorm" according to the National Weather Service (NWS)?
• In which time format should the time of observation be recorded for most SAWRS?
• What is the required RVR observation when visibility is down to one quarter mile?
• In which units is prevailing visibility reported?
• Which of the following would not be entered as a visibility value on MF1M-10?
• What role do satellites play in modern meteorology?
• Which statement is true about RVR reports?
• What is the role of the jet stream in weather patterns?
• What is the general definition of "climate" versus "weather"?
• A variable wind direction with a speed of 4 knots would be coded as?
• How is an abrupt change in wind speed defined in aviation reporting?
• What is the minimum runway visual range equipment RVR value indicated for runway 02 left?
• What's the use of a ceilometer in weather observations?
• How does wind direction influence weather patterns?
• How do thunderstorms generally form?
• When observations are omitted due to a lack of occurrence, what is the recommended action?
• What does the term visibility denote?
• Which of the following describes a sandstorm?
• What is the primary function of weather radar in meteorology?
• In meteorological practice, what is "evapotranspiration"?
• How would you define "turbulence" in meteorological terms?
• When is wind direction considered variable?
• In meteorological observation, how is a "clear sky" defined?
• How is visibility measured when it falls on undefined boundaries in reporting?
• What feature distinguishes altostratus clouds from other mid-level clouds?
• What does a "dry line" signify in meteorology?
• What does the abbreviation FZRASN indicate?
• When is prevailing visibility reported as variable?
• Which practice should be avoided when making corrections to previously reported data?
• When visibility is observed between two reportable values, which value is reported?
• When is wind speed particularly relevant in weather observations?
• What does the term "anomaly" refer to in meteorological data?
• In which report would you find the Date and Time group included?
• What does "TS SHRA SQ" indicate in a weather report?
• What is indicated by the abbreviation BLPY in meteorology?
• What does the Date/Time group in a METAR report indicate?
• What separates an area of high pressure from low pressure on a weather map?
• What atmospheric conditions are indicative of a high likelihood of hail during a storm?
• What does the term "Fahrenheit" measure in weather observations?
• How is relative humidity calculated?
• What aspect of weather does a psychrometer measure?
• If visibility decreases from 12 miles to 7 miles due to mist, light snow, and haze, what should be entered in column 9 (Present Weather)?
• If prevailing visibility is two statute miles, how would it specifically be recorded?
• What role does a Surface Weather Observer play in aviation safety?
• Under what condition should sector visibility be reported in the remarks?
• What is the prevailing visibility from your point of observation if it measures 12 statute miles?
• What is the function of an altimeter in aviation weather reporting?
• Which weather condition is described by the abbreviation TSRAGS?
• How long should a wind speed be sustained to report it as a gust?
• What could signify the need for urgent weather precautions?
• How do surface pressure readings contribute to weather forecasting?
• Which weather condition is often reported in winter weather observations?
• Which remark is appended to the report of a METAR or SPECI observation that is not transmitted?
• What is indicated by the code BLSN?
• What type of weather phenomenon can be indicated by rapidly falling barometric pressure?
• Why is it crucial to accurately report ground conditions during winter weather observations?
• What does the dew point indicate in weather observation?
• What type of weather is often indicated by a "cold front"?
• What condition is least likely to occur in a stable atmosphere?
• How frequently should time checks be made on the official station clock for full-time stations?
• What does VCSH indicate in weather observations?
• Wind direction and wind speed are determined by averaging over a period of:
• Which term refers to volcanic ash and smoke in weather observation?
• What type of phenomena does a SPECI report focus on primarily?
• What does the acronym METAR represent?
• What type of objects can effectively be used for determining visibility?
• If a wind direction is from 240° at 9 knots, which format would be used for transmission?
• Under which condition can local noise significantly affect thunderstorm reporting?
• What is the average visibility if the observation states it varies between 1 5/8 and 2 1/4 miles?
• What would be the correct entry in Column 4 (Speed) of MF1M-10 for wind from 360° at 125 knots?
• What does FZRA refer to in weather observation?
• What should be recorded in column 8 and column 14 if the RVR for runway 06 left is not functioning?
• Which of the following is included in present weather observations?
• If an element does not occur or cannot be observed, it is classified as:
• How can a Surface Weather Observer determine if fog is present?
• What is indicated by "FZFG" in weather conditions?
• Which of the following observations is not included as an element of SPECI criteria?
• How often are METAR reports typically updated?
• What is the position of the station identifier in a METAR/SPECI coded report?
• When tower visibility is recorded in column 7b, what values are needed?
• In a SPECI report, when is the Date/Time group noted?
• What is the primary purpose of a Surface Weather Observer?
• How is prevailing visibility defined?
• Why is it important for Surface Weather Observers to log information consistently?
• How should an average wind speed of 25 knots with fluctuations between 20 and 30 knots be reported?
• What should the observer do if visibility is consistently low during observations?
• What phenomenon is characterized by a sudden increase in atmospheric pressure?
• If the prevailing visibility is two and one-half statute miles, how is it reported?
• Under what condition are corrected reports not transmitted?
• What is the typical height above ground level for a standard METAR reporting station?
• What is reported in column 9 and column 14 if occasional lightning is observed but thunder is not heard?
• What does an SLP of 1013 hPa typically indicate about weather conditions?
• When reporting cloud height or visibility that falls between two values, which value should be reported?
• Which abbreviation indicates a thunderstorm with light rain and haze?
• When is visibility considered to be prevailing?
• Which atmospheric component is crucial in creating unstable conditions for thunderstorms?
• A report cannot be classified as COR if it:
• What does +TSRAGR represent in weather coding?
• What does the abbreviation SHPE commonly represent in weather reports?
• During which time of day is temperature usually at its peak?
• What type of cloud is associated with producing halos?
• Which element is essential for issuing urgent meteorological warnings?
• In which section of the METAR and SPECI reports are wind shifts reported?
• At no time shall an observation be started more than how many minutes prior to the scheduled observation time?
• What type of cloud is generally dark and associated with precipitation?
• A SPECI observation typically consists of how many sections?
• Which weather observation would most likely indicate freezing rain conditions?
• If the wind is from true north at 8 knots with a magnetic declination of plus 10 degrees, how would this be coded?
• How is calm wind coded in the body of a weather report?
• How should visibility values be entered when tower visibility is different from surface visibility?
• What is typically a characteristic of stable air masses?
• What is the appropriate procedure if additional observations need to be taken during an aircraft mishap?
• A strong wind suddenly increases from 270° at 15 knots to 32 knots with gusts to 44 knots and persists for 3 minutes before subsiding. How is this reported?
• What does a "wind rose" show?
• How must weather observers be trained or approved?
• Which weather element is NOT typically observed by a Surface Weather Observer?
• How can the visibility in a METAR/SPECI transmitted coded report be identified?
• Which code represents patchy fog in weather reports?
• How is "TS VCSH FG" interpreted in weather observations?
• When prevailing visibility varies rapidly between one and one-half to two and one-half miles, how is it reported?
• What are "stratus" clouds typically associated with?
• What is the primary characteristic of a warm front?
• A visibility of 7/16 miles would be reported as what fraction?
• Which type of weather event can cause visibility to drop in a short duration, but may not qualify as precipitation?
• What should the time entries in column 2 of MF1M-10 reference?
• What height does blowing snow reach according to meteorological definitions?
• Which instrument measures the atmospheric pressure?
• How long are carbon copies of MF1M-10 supposed to be retained?
• What time should be used for the Date/Time group if the report is a corrected one?
• When is the beginning of a thunderstorm officially reported?
• How would a Surface Weather Observer report a "tornado watch" in their observations?
• In a METAR/SPECI report, the visibility group follows which group?
• What does the code +SHRA indicate?
• Which abbreviation would you use to report low drifting dust conditions?
• What describes the process of condensation?
• What weather phenomenon is characterized by strong updrafts?
• What color is typically used for severe thunderstorm warnings on weather maps?
• Which type of cloud is associated with fair weather and has a fluffy appearance?
• What is the minimum change in wind direction required for a wind shift to be reported?
• When the station anemometer is not operational but the observer estimates wind speed to be 10 knots, how is it reported?
• Which of the following elements must be disseminated urgently regardless of a delay?
• How is a "wind chill factor" calculated?