What is the primary source of weather information for pilots?

The primary source of weather information for pilots is METAR reports. METARs are standardized, routine aviation weather reports generated at fixed intervals, typically every hour. They provide essential information about current weather conditions at an airport, including parameters such as temperature, dew point, wind direction and speed, visibility, and cloud cover. This real-time data is crucial for pilots as it allows them to make informed decisions regarding takeoff, landing, and en-route navigation.

While other sources of weather information, such as flight advisories, Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), and Air Traffic Control notifications, are also important, they serve different purposes. Flight advisories provide alerts about significant weather conditions affecting flight safety, TAFs offer forecasts for expected weather changes over specific time frames at an airport, and Air Traffic Control notifications may communicate immediate hazards or operational changes. However, when it comes to current, ground-level weather information specifically tailored for flight operations, METAR reports are the most direct and commonly utilized reference by pilots.