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How to Read a TAF

A TAF is a coded forecast for an airport, usually covering 24 hours or more. It looks like a METAR but adds time periods. Here is a real example for Lahore:

TAF OPLA 202300Z 2100/2206 VRB02KT 1200 BR NSC TX32/2110Z TN19/2101Z TEMPO 2104/2106 27004KT 4000 FU NSC FM210600 32008KT 6000 NSC

Part by part

  • TAF OPLA: a forecast for Lahore.
  • 202300Z: issued on the 20th at 23:00 UTC.
  • 2100/2206: valid from the 21st at 00:00 UTC to the 22nd at 06:00 UTC.
  • VRB02KT 1200 BR NSC: variable wind at 2 knots, visibility 1,200 m in mist, no significant cloud.
  • TX32/2110Z and TN19/2101Z: forecast maximum temperature 32°C at 10:00 UTC on the 21st, minimum 19°C at 01:00 UTC.
  • TEMPO 2104/2106: temporary conditions between 04:00 and 06:00 UTC: wind from 270° at 4 knots, 4,000 m visibility in smoke (FU).
  • FM210600: from 06:00 UTC on the 21st, a new set of conditions: wind 320° at 8 knots, 6,000 m visibility.

Change groups

  • FM: a complete change from a given time.
  • BECMG: a gradual change over a period.
  • TEMPO: temporary fluctuations lasting less than an hour at a time.
  • PROB30 / PROB40: a 30 or 40 per cent probability.

How it is used

Pilots and dispatchers use TAFs to decide fuel, alternates and timing. Low visibility in a TAF, like the mist above, warns of possible delays.

Live TAFs are shown on airport weather pages, such as Lahore. See also how to read a METAR and the TAF glossary entry.

Related guides

General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.