Weather abbreviations and acronyms
A absolute (temperature) AFC area forecast center
A Alaskan Standard Time AFCT affect
(time groups only) AFDK after dark
A Arctic (air mass) AFIRM affirmative
A hail AFOS Automation of Field
AATM at all times Operations/Services
ABBR abbreviate AFT after
ABCST automatic broadcast AFTN afternoon
ABD aboard AGL above ground level
ABM abeam AGN again
ABND abandon AGR agree
ABNDT abundant AGRMT agreement
ABNML abnormal AHD ahead
ABT about AIREP air report
ABV above AK Alaska
AC anticipated convection AL all
AC altocumulus AL Alabama
AC convective outlook ALF aloft
AC altocumulus ALG along
ACCAS altocumulus castellanus ALGHNY Allegheny
ACCT account ALNMT alignment
ACCUM accumulate ALNOT Alert Notice
ACES access ALQDS all quadrants
ACFT aircraft ALSEC all sectors
ACK acknowledge ALSTG altimeter setting
ACLD above clouds ALT altitude
ACLT accelerate ALTA Alberta
ACMPYG accompanying ALTHO although
ACPT accept ALTM altimeter
ACPY accompany ALTN alternate
ACRS across ALUTN Aleutian
ACSL standing lenticular ALWF actual wind factor
altocumulus AM ante meridiem
ACT active AMB ambiguity
ACTG acting AMD amend
ACTV active AMDT amendment
ACTVT activate AMOS Automated Meteorologi-
ACTVTY activity cal Observation Station
ACYC anticyclonic AMP amplifier/amplify
ADDN addition AMPLTD amplitude
ADJ adjacent AMS air mass
ADQT adequate AMSL above mean sea level
ADRNDCK Adirondack AMT amount
ADS address ANCPT anticipate
ADV advise ANLYS analysis
ADVC advice ANNC announce
ADVCTN advection ANS answer
ADVN advance ANT antenna
ADVY advisory AOA at or above
AERO aeronautical AOB at or below
AFB Air Force Base
page 2
AOC Aircraft Operations AUZ authorize
Center AVBL available
AOPA Aircraft Owners and AVG average
Pilots Association AVN aviation/Aviation
AP anomalous propagation Model
APCH approach AWA advise when able
APLCN Appalachian AWANS Aviation WX & NOTAM
APNT appoint System
APPR appear AWBE automatic WX broadcast
APRNT apparent equipment
APROP appropriate AWE advise when established
APRX approximate AWIPS Advanced WX Interactive
APSG after passage/passing Processing System
APT automatic picture AWOS automatic wx obs/report
transmission system
APV approve AWS Air Weather Service
APVL approval (USAF)
AR Atlantic Route AWT awaiting
AR Arkansas AWX account weather
ARFOR Area forecast AWY airway
ARMET forecast upper wind AZ Arizona
and temperature AZM azimuth
ARND around B blue
ARNG arrange B beginning of
ARNOT area notice precipitation
ARPT airport B Bering Standard Time
ARR arrival/arrive BAC below all clouds
ARST arrest BACLIN baroclinic
AS altostratus BAL balance
ASAP as soon as possible BAM Beta Advection model
ASC ascent to BASE cloud base
ASDL aircraft to satellite BATROP barotropic
data link BC back course
ASGN assign BC British Columbia
ASL above sea level BCFG fog patches
ASMD assumed BCH beach
ASND ascend BCKG backing
ASOS Automated Surface BCM become
Observing System BCN beacon
ASSOCD associated BCREQ broadcast requested
ASST assistant BCST broadcast
ATCH attach BCSTN broadcast station
ATLC Atlantic BD blowing dust
ATMT attempt BDA Bermuda
ATND attend BDR border
ATTM at this time BDRY boundary
ATTN attention BFDK before dark
AURBO Aurora Borealis BFR before
AUTH authority/authorized BGN began/begin
AUTO automatic BHND behind
AUTOB Automatic WX Reporting BIFR before encountering
System IFR conditions
AUX auxiliary BINOVC breaks in overcast
page 3
BKN broken CARIB Caribbean
BL between layers CAS calibrated airspeed
BLD build CASCDS Cascades
BLDUP buildup CAT category
BLKHLS Black Hills CAT clear air turbulence
BLKT blanket CATX climb and cross
BLN balloon CAVOK cloud and visiblity OK
BLO below/below clouds CAVU clear and visibility
BLSN blowing snow > 10 mi.
BLZD blizzard CAWS Common Aviation Weather
BMS basic meteorological Subsystem
services CB cumulonimbus
BN blowing sand CBMAM cumulonimbus mamma
BND bound CC cirrocumulus
BNDRY boundary CC cloud-to-cloud lightning
BNTH beneath CCLDS clear of clouds
BOVC base of overcast CCLKOB counterclockwise orbit
BPS bytes per second CCLKWS counterclockwise
BR Bahama Route CCR cloud cover radiometer
BR branch CCRZ climb and cruise
BRF brief CCSL standing lenticular
BRG bearing cirrocumulus
BRGT bright CD cold
BRK break CDFNT cold front
BRKHIC breaks in higher CENPAC Central North Pacific
overcast CFM confirm
BRKSHR Berkshire CFN confine
BRM barometer CFP cold front passage
BS blowing snow CFY clarify
BTL between layers CG Coast Guard
BTR better CG cloud-to-ground
BTWN between lightning
BUL bulletin CGAS Coast Guard Air Station
BUR bureau CGLS Coast Guard LORAN
BUS business Station
BWER bounded weak echo CGSTN congestion
region CH channel
BY blowing spray CHAP chapter
BYD beyond CHARC characteristic
BZR buzzer (radar) CHC chance
C Celsius CHG change
C Central Standard CHNL channel
Time CHOK check okay
C continental (air mass) CHRG charge
CA cloud-to-air lightning CHSPK Chesapeake
CA California CHTR charter
CAA cold air advection CI cirrus
CAN Canada CIG ceiling
CANOT Canadian NOTAM CIN convective inhibition
CAO cold air outbreak CIRNAV circumnavigate
CAPE convective available CIRNOT circuit notice
potential energy CIT near or over large
CAPT captain towns
page 4
CIV civil COMPRT compartment
CK check COND condition
CKT circuit CONF confidential
CL closing station CONFDC confidence
CL course line CONFIGN configuration
CLA clear type of ice CONT continue/continuously
formation CONTDVD Continental Divide
CLBI climb immediately CONTRAILS condensation trails
CLBR calibration CONV convergence
CLD cloud COORD coordinate
CLDNS cloudiness COR correct/corrected
CLG calling COT at the coast
CLIPER Climatology and COV cover
Persistance model CPBL capable
CLKOB clockwise orbit CPD coupled
CLKWS clockwise CPHC Central Pacific
CLNC clearance Hurricane Center
CLR clear CPTY capacity
CLRS clear and smooth CRAD composite radar data
CLSD closed processing
CLST celestial CRC circle
CM centimeter CRCLN circulation
CMA comma CRLC circulate
CMB climb CRS course
CMNC commence CRTFY certify
CMPCT compact CS cirrostratus
CMPL complete CSDR consider
CMPLX complex CSDRBL considerable
CMPSN composition CSLDT consolidate
CMPT component CST coast
CNCL cancel CSTLN coastline
CNCNT concurrently CT Connecticut
CNCT connect CTC contact
CNDN Canadian CTGY category
CNS consolidated NOTAM CTH cloud top height
system CTL control
CNSDRBL considerable CTN caution
CNSTNT consistent CTSKLS Catskills
CNTR center CU cumulus
CNTRL central CUFRA cumulus fractus
CNTRLN centerline CVN convene
CNVG converge CVR cover
CNVRT convert CW current wave
CNVSN conversion CWSU Central Weather
CNVTV convective Service Unit
CO company CYC cyclonic
CO county CYCLGN cyclogenesis
CO Colorado CYL cylinder
COLL collect CZM Coastal Zone Management
COM communication D dust
COMB combine D/A digital-to-analog
COML commercial DA daylight ascending
COMP computed/computer DABRK daybreak
COMPR compare DALGT daylight
page 5
DAP do all possible DMSP Defense Meteorological
DB decibel Satellite Program
DB describe DNS dense
DBL double DNSLP downslope
DBTF doubtful DNSTRM downstream
DC direct current DNWND downwind
DC District of Columbia DO ditto
DCAVU clear and vis > 10mi DOC Department of Commerce
remainder rept missing DOD Department of Defense
DCR decrease DOE Department of Energy
DCRSD decreased DOLLY data link
DCT direct DOPLID Doppler Lidar
DE Delaware DOPLIGHT Doppler and lightning
DEF defense DP deep
DEG degree DPD dew point depression
DENEB fog dispersal operations DPNG deepening
DEP depart/departure DPTH depth
DEPT department DR direct route
DEST destination DRCT direct
DEV deviation DRCTN direction
DF direction finding DRFT drift
DFCLT difficult DRIBU drifting buoy code
DFLNT diffluent DRIR direct readout infrared
DFNT definite DROP dropsonde/dropwindsonde
DFRS differs DRYLN dryline
DFS diffuse DRZL drizzle
DFUS diffuse DSCNT descent
DGNL diagonal DSGND designated
DGR danger DSIPT dissipate
DIAM diameter DSND descend
DIFAX digital facsimile DSNT distant
DIGG digging DSPL display
DIP deepest intensification DSPLC displace
period DSPN disposition
DIR director DSPRL dispersal
DISABLD disabled DSR desire
DISC discontinue DST distort
DISEM disseminate DSTC distance
DISRE disregard DTG date time group
DIST district DTL detail
DIST distance DTLN International Dateline
DISTR distribute DTRM determine
DIV divergence DTRT deteriorate
DIV division DUC dense upper cloud
DKTS Dakotas DUPE duplicate
DLA delay DURG during
DLT delete DURN duration
DLVR deliver DVGNC divergence
DLVY delivery DVGNT divergent
DLY daily DVLP develop
DMG damage DVOR doppler VOR
DMNT dominant DVRG diverge
DMSH diminish DVRSN diversion
page 6
DVV downward vertical ESNTL essential
velocity EST estimate/estimation
DWG drawing EST estimation
DWIPS Digital Weather Image ESTAB establish
Processing System ETC et cetera
DWNDFTS downdrafts ETFL each thousand ft level
DWPNT dew point ETI estimated information
DX duplex ETIM elapsed time
E Eastern Standard Time ETOV estimated time over
E ending of precipitation ETP estimated time of
(min) penetration
E equatorial (air mass) EU electronic unit
E estimated EVAC evacuation
E east EVAL evaluate/evaluation
EBND eastbound EVE evening
ECMRWF European Center for EXAM examination
Medium Range WX EXCH exchange
Forecasts EXCLD exclude
ECOM en-route communications EXCLV exclusive
EFCT effect EXCP except
EFF effective EXCT execute
ELAT estimated latitude EXPC expect
ELEC electric EXPED expedite
ELECN electrician EXPS express
ELEV elevate/elevation EXSEC extra section
ELIP elliptical EXTD extend
ELNAR El Nino in the ancient EXTN extension
record EXTRAP extrapolate
ELNGT elongate EXTRM extreme
ELONG estimated longitude EXTSV extensive
ELSW elsewhere F Fahrenheit
EMBDD embedded F fog
EMERG emergency F Fujita Scale
EN El Nino FA forecast area
ENCTR encounter FAA Federal Aviation
ENDCE endurance Administration
ENDG ending FAC facility
ENERN east-northeastern FAH Fahrenheit
ENEWD east-northeastward FAM familiar
ENHNCD enhanced FAX facsimile
ENHNCMNT enhancement FCST forecast
ENSO El Nino Southern FG fog
Oscillation FIG figure
ENTR entire FIL filament
EOF expected ops forecast FILG filling
EOF end of file FINO WX report will not be
EPAC Eastern Pacific filed for transmission
EPI expanded position FIRAV first available
indicator FIRG firing
EQUIP equipment FL flash advisory
ERY early FL flight level
ESERN east-southeastern FL Florida
ESEWD east-southeastward FLCTN fluctuation
page 7
FLDST flood stage GFDEP ground fog estimated
FLG falling (feet) deep
FLO flow GFS Gulf Stream Front
FLRY flurry GHZ gigahertz
FLT flight GICG glaze icing
FLW follow GLDR glider
FLWIS flood warning issued GLFALSK Gulf of Alaska
FM from GLFCAL Gulf of California
FMT format GLFMEX Gulf of Mexico
FNCTN function GLFSTLAWR Gulf of St Lawrence
FNT front GMT Greenwich Mean Time
FNTGNS frontogenesis GND ground
FNTL frontal GNDFG ground fog
FNTLYS frontolysis GNTR generator
FONE telephone GOES Geostationary Operational
FORNN forenoon Environmental Satellite
FPM feet per minute GOVT government
FPP from present position GRAD gradient
FQT frequent GRBL garble
FREQ frequency GRBNKS Grand Banks
FRM form GRDL gradual
FRMG forming GRTLKS Great Lakes
FRMN formation GSTS gusts
FROPA frontal passage GSTY gusty
FROSFC frontal surface GTCL Great Circle
FRST frost GTR greater
FRWF forecast wind factor GTS Global Telecommunication
FRZ freeze System
FRZN frozen GV ground visibility
FT feet/foot GVG giving
FT terminal forecast H haze
FTHR farther/further H2 pres at 200 mb/37K FT)
FURN furnish H3 pres at 300 mb/30K FT)
FV forward visibility H5 pres at 500 mb/18K FT)
(miles) H7 pres at 700 mb/10K FT)
FWD forward H85 pres at 850 mb/5K FT)
FWDC forward collect HA high accuracy
FYI for your information HAA height above airport
G gusts reaching (knots) HAZ hazard
GA Georgia HCVIS high clouds visible
GAC global area coverage HD high density
GARP Global Atmospheric HDEP haze layer estimated
Research Program (feet) deep
GATE GARP Atlantic Tropical HDFRZ hard freeze
Experiment HDSVLY Hudson Valley
GCM Global Circulation model HDWND headwind
GDAS Global Data Assimilation HF high frequency
System HGT height
GEN general HI high
GENOT general notice HI Hawaii
GEO geographic HIBAL high altitude balloon
GEOREF geographical reference HIEAT highest temp equaled
GF ground fog for all time
page 8
HIEFM highest temp equaled ICGIC icing in clouds
for the month ICGICIP icing in clouds and
HIER higher precipitation
HIESE highest temp equaled ICGIP icing in precipitation
so early ID identification
HIESL highest temp equaled ID Idaho
so late IDENT identify/identifier
HIFOR high level forecast or identification
HITMP highest temperature IF intermediate fix
HIXAT highest temp exceeded IF ice fog
for all time IFR Instrument Flight Rules
HIXFM highest temp exceeded IFUN if unable
for the month IFVR if visibility remains
HIXSE highest temp exceeded IL Illinois
so early IMC instrument meteorological
HIXSL highest temp exceeded conditions
so late IMDT immediate
HLF half IMGRY imagery
HLSTO hailstones IMP impracticable
HLTP hilltop IMPL impulse
HLYR haze layer aloft IMPT important
HND hundred IMT immediate/immediately
HNL Honolulu IN inch
HOL holiday IN Indiana
HOOK hook echo INADQT inadequate
HP high-precipitation INC incorporated
HPA hectopascal INCL include
HR here INCLV inclusive
HR hour INCOMP incomplete
HRD Hurricane Research INCOR incorrect
Division INCR increase
HRDI High-Resolution Doppler INDC indicate
Imager INDCTD indicated
HRFAX High-Resolution INDEF indefinite
Facsimile INDUS industrial
HRPT high resolution picture INFO information
transmission INLD inland
HRZN horizon INOP inoperative
HTN heterodyne INP if not possible
HURCN hurricane INSP inspect
HUREP hurricane report INST instrument
HURRAN Hurricane Analogs model INSTA interstate
HV high voltage INSTBY instability
HVY heavy INSTL install
HWVR however INSTR instruct
HWY highway INT intersection
HX high index INTCNTL intercontinental
HYDRO hydrographic INTCP intercept
Hz hertz INTFC interference
IA Iowa INTL international
IAW in accordance with INTMD intermediate
IC ice crystals INTMT intermittent
ICG icing INTR interior
page 9
INTRMTRGN inter-mountain region LAWRS Limited Aviation Weather
INTRP interrupt Reporting Station
INTS intense LB pounds (weight)
INTSFY intensify LCL local/locally
INTST intensity LCT locate
INTVL interval LCTMP little change in temp
INTXN intersection LD long distance
INVES investigate LDG leading
INVOF in the vicinity of LDR linear depolarization
INVR inversion ratio
INVSTAR investigate and report LDW LORAN-C Dropwindsonde
IOVC in overcast LEWP line echo wave pattern
IP ice pellets LF low frequency
IPV improve LF light fine
IPW ice pellet showers LFC level of free convection
IR infra-red LFM Limited-Area Fine-Mesh
IR ice on runway model
IREG irregular LFT lift
IS island LGRNG long range
ISOL isolate LGT light
ITCZ intertropical LGWV long wave
convergence zone LI lifted index
ITNRNT itinerant LIFR Low IFR-ceiling
ITRY itinerary LIN linearily
IVFRC in VFR conditions LK lake
JCTN junction LKLY likely
JET jet stream LL landline
JTSTR jet stream LLJ low-level jet
JTWC Joint Typhoon Warning LLWAS low level wind shear
Center alert system
K cold (air mass) LLWS low level wind shear
K smoke LMT limit
KC kilocycles LN line
KDEP smoke layer estimated LND land
(feet) deep LOC locally
KFRST killing frost LOEAT lowest temp equaled
KH Kelvin-Helmholtz for all time
KHZ kilohertz LOEFM lowest temp equaled
KLYR smoke layer aloft for the month
KM kilometers LOESE lowest temp equaled
KOCTY smoke over city so early
KS Kansas LOESL lowest temp equaled
KT knot so late
KW kilowatt LONG longitude
KY Kentucky LONGL longitudinal
L drizzle LOP line of position
L logistics LORAC long range accuracy
L/MF low/medium frequency LORAN long range navigation
LA Louisiana LOTMP lowest temp
LABRDR Labrador LOXAT lowest temp exceeded
LAC local area coverage for all time
LAT latitude LOXFM lowest temp exceeded
for the month
page 10
LOXSE lowest temp exceeded MDFY modify
so early MDT moderate
LOXSL lowest temp exceeded ME Maine
so late MED medium
LP low-precipitation MEGG merging
LRG large MET meteorological
LRG long range METAR aviation routine weather
LRS Lake Reporting Service report
LS left side METOF meteorological officer
LS light smooth METRO metropolitan
LSR loose snow on runway MEX Mexico
LST Local Standard Time MF medium frequency
LTD limited MFE mean forecast errors
LTG lightning MHDG magnetic heading
LTGCC lightning cloud-to-cloud MHKVLY Mohawk Valley
LTGCCCG LTGCC/cloud to ground MHz Megahertz
LTGCG lightning cloud-to-ground MI mile
LTGCW lightning cloud-to-water MI Michigan
LTGIC lightning in clouds MID middle
LTL little MIDIZ Mid-Canada
LTLCG little change Identification Zone
LTNG lightning MIDN midnight
LTR later MIFG patches of shallow fog
LTTR latter not deeper than 2 meters
LV leaving MIL military
LVG leaving MIN minimum
LVL level MIN minute
LWA lake wind advisory MIPS Mission and Information
LWR lower Planning System
LX low index MISC miscellaneous
LYR layer MISG missing
M MACH number MKD marked
M maritime (air mass) MKR marker
M measured ceiling MLTLVL melting level
M missing MM millimeter
M Mountain Standard Time MMIPS Man-Made Interactive
M measured Processing System
MA map analysis MMO main meteorological
MA Massachusetts office
MACH MACH Number MN Minnesota
MAG magnetic MNLD mainland
MAINT maintain/maintenance MNLY mainly
MALF mostly aloft MO Missouri
precipitation MOGR moderate or greater
MAN Manitoba MONTR monitor
MAN manual MOREPS monitor station reports
MAX maximum MOS model output statistics
MB millibars MOV move
MCC mesoscale convective MPH miles per hour
complex MRF Medium Range Forecast
MCS mesoscale convective model
system MRGL marginal
MD Maryland MRNG morning
page 11
MRTM maritime NLT not later than
MS minus NM nautical mile
MS Mississippi NM New Mexico
MSG message NMBR number
MSL mean sea level NMC National Meteorological
MSLP mean sea level pressure Center
MSTLY mostly NMCC nocturnal MCC
MSTR moisture NML nominal
MT Montana NMR nautical mile radius
MTN mountain NMRS numerous
MTRL material NNERN north-northeastern
MTRY momentary NNEWD north-northeastward
MULT multiple NNMI non-linear normal mode
MUNI municipal initialization
MV millivolt NNWRN north-northwestern
MVFR marginal visual flight NNWWD north-westward
rules NOGAPS US Navy Operational
MXD mixed Global Atmospheric
N north Prediction System
N/A not applicable NOIFN no information
NAB not above NOREP no report
NAP not at present NORPI no Balloon Observation
NAR North American Route NOSPL not required to take
NAT North Atlantic special observations
NATL national NOTAM Notice(s) To Airmen
NAV navigation NPRS non-persistent
NAWAS National Warning System NR near
NB New Brunswick NR number
NBND northbound NRW narrow
NBRHD neighborhood NS nimbostratus
NC no change NS Nova Scotia
NC North Carolina NSCSWD no small craft or storm
NCWX no change in weather warning
ND North Dakota NSSFC National Severe Storm
NE Nebraska Forecast Center
NE northeast NSSL National Severe Storms
NEC necessary Laboratory
NEG negative NTE not to exceed
NELY northeasterly NV Nevada
NEW ENG New England NVA negative vorticity
NEXRAD Next Generation Weather advection
Radar NVV negative vertical
NFLD Newfoundland velocity
NFQ night frequency NW northwest
NGM Nested Grid Model NWLY northwesterly
NGT night NWP Numerical Weather
NH New Hampshire Prediction
NHC National Hurricane Center NWRN northwestern
NHC90 NHC 1990 forecast model NWS National Weather Service
NHD not heard NXT next
NIL none NY New York
NJ New Jersey OAC oceanic area control
NL no layers OAT outside air temperature
page 12
OB on board PA Pennsylvania
OBS observation PAC Pacific
OBSC obscure PALF partly aloft
OBST obstruct precipitation
OBSTN obstruction PARA paragraph
OC obstruction chart PAT pattern
OCFNT occluded front PBL probable
OCLD occlude PCLL persistent cells
OCLN occlusion PCPN precipitation
OCNL occasional PD period
OCR occur PDMT predominant
ODW Omega Dropwindsonde PDS particularly dangerous
OFFL official situation
OFP occluded frontal passage PDW priority delayed weather
OFSHR offshore PE primitive equation models
OH Ohio PEN peninsula
OI optimal interpolation PENT penetrate or penetration
OK operating normally PERF perforator
OK Oklahoma PERM permanent
OLR outgoing longwave PGTSND Puget Sound
radiation PIREP pilot weather report
OM out for maintenance PIREPS Pilot Aviation Weather
OMTNS over mountains Reports
ONSHR on shore PIRFC pilot requests forecast
ONT Ontario PISE no pilot balloon obs
ONW on watch due to unfavorable
OOT out of tolerance sea conditions
OPER operate PISO no pilot balloon obs
OPN operation due to snow
OPNML operations normal PIWI no pilot balloon obs
OR Oregon due to surface wind
ORGPHC orographic PLAT present latitude
ORIG original PLB planetary boundary layer
OSF Operational Support PLONG present longitude
Facility PLS please
OTAS on top and smooth PLW plow (snow)
OTLK outlook PNHDL Panhandle
OTO Oklahoma Thunderstorm POP probability of
Outlook precipitation
OTR other POS positive
OTRW otherwise PP perfect prog
OTS out of service PPI plan position indicator
OVC overcast PPINA PPI not available
OVD overdue PPINE PPI no echoes observed
OVHD overhead PPINO PPI report equipment
OVLA overlay inoperative
OVR over PPIOK PPI equipment operation
OVRN overrun resumed
OVSEA overseas PPIOM PPI equipment out for
OVTK overtake maintenance
P Pacific Standard Time PPS propose
P Polar (air mass) PPSN present position
PA pressure altitude PR photo reconnaissance
page 13
PRBL probable QSTNRY quasi-stationary
PRBLTY probability QTR quarter
PRCTN precaution QUAD quadrant
PRECD precede QUE Quebec
PREFNTL pre-frontal R rain
PRELIM preliminary RABA no RAWIN obs. no
PRES pressure balloons available
PRESFR pressure falling rapidly RABAL radiosonde balloon
PRESRR pressure rising rapidly wind data
PRIM primary RABAR radiosonde balloon
PRIND present indications are release
PRIRA primary radar RACO no RAWIN obs.
PRJMP pressure jump communications out
PROC procedure RADAR radio detection and
PROCD proceed ranging
PROG prognosis/prognostic RADAT radiosonde observation
PROG progress data
PROGV progressive RADNO report missing account
PROPA propagation radio failure
PRP prepare RADON radar beacon
PRSNT present RADU Weather Radar Analysis
PRST persist and Development Unit
PRVD provide RAFI radiosonde observation
PS plus not filed
PSBL possible RAFRZ radiosonde observation
PSG passage freezing levels
PSG passing RAFS Regional Analysis and
PSN position Forecast System
PSR packed snow on runway RAHE no RAWIN obs. no gas
PST Pacific Standard Time available
PT procedure turn RAICG radiosonde observation
PTCHY patchy icing at
PTCP participate RAJAM radar jamming
PTLY partly RAMOS Remote Automated
PTN portion Meteorological
PUB public Observation Station
PUBL publish RAOB rawinsonde observation
PUP Principal User Processor RARAD radar advisory
PVA positive vorticity RAREP radar weather report
advection RASS Radio Acoustic Sounding
PVL prevail System
PVLD prevailed RAVU radiosonde analysis and
PVLT prevalent verification unit
PWB pilot weather briefing RAWE no RAWIN obs. unfavorable
PWR power weather
PWRNO power failure RAWI no RAWIN obs. high and
PWROK power restored gusty winds
Q squall RAWIN upper winds obs.
QLFY qualify (by radio methods)
QLM Quasi-Lagrangian model RAWX returned account of
QLTY quality weather
QN question RBN radio beacon
QNTY quantity RC road reconnaissance
page 14
RCD radar cloud detection RGN region
report RH relative humidity
RCDNA radar cloud detection RHI range height indicator
report not available RHINO radar range height
RCDNE radar cloud detection indicator not operating
report no echoes on scan
observed RI Rhode Island
RCDNO radar cloud detector RIF reduction in force
inoperative (breakdown) RIOGD Rio Grande
until RIS reports identification
RCDOM radar cloud detector symbol
inoperative RITE right (direction of turn)
(maintenance) until RL report immediately upon
RCF remain on company leaving
frequency RLS release
RCH reach RLSTN relay station
RCK radio check RLTV relative
RCKY Rockies (mountains) RLV relieve
RCMD recommend RM remarks (PIREP only)
RCON reconfiguration RMLR radar microwave link
RCPT receipt repeater
RCRD record RMLT radar microwave link
RCV receive terminal
RDA Radar Data Acquisition RMN remain
RDAT radar data (digitized) RMNDR remainder
RDC reduce RMRK remark
RDG ridge RNAV area navigation
RDS radius RNFL rainfall
RDWND radar dome wind RO regional office
RE reference ROBEPS radar operating below
RE regard prescribed standard
RECCO reconnaissance code ROI Regional Optimum
RECON reconnaissance Interpolation
REF reference ROT rotate
REG regulation ROTG rotating
RELBL reliable ROTN rotation
RELCT relocate ROV report over
REP represent RPD rapid
REPL replace RPG Radar Product Generator
REQ request RPLC replace
REQID request if desired RPM rotation per minute
REQSTD requested RPRT report
RERTE reroute RPT repeat
RES reserve RQ request
RESP response RQR require
RESTR restrict RR radar range station
RF radio frequency RS right side
RFD rear flank downdraft RS record special
RFI radio frequency observation
interference RSG rising
RFS refuse RSN reason
RGD ragged RSTR restrict
RGLR regular RSVN reservation
page 15
RTE route SFC surface
RTIR real-time infra-red SFERICS atmospherics
RTMTR remote transmitter SG snow grains
RTND retained SGD signed
RTNE routine SGD Solar-Geophysical Data
RTRD retard SGFNT significant
RTRN return SGL signal
RUF rough SHF super high frequency
RV radar vector SHFT shift
RVR Runway Visual Range SHLW shallow
RVS revise SHP standard holding
RW rain shower procedure
RWU rain showers of unknown SHRT short
intensity SHRTLY shortly
RY runway SHRTWV shortwave
S snow SHTDN shutdown
S south SHUD should
SA scheduled record SHWR shower
observation SI straight-in approach
SAB satellite analysis SIERNEV Sierra Nevada
branch SIG signature
SANBAR Sanders, et al, SIGMET significant
barotropical model meteorological
SAO surface airways information
observations SIM satellite interpretation
SASK Saskatchewan message
SATFY satisfactory SIMUL simultaneous
SATR so as to reach SINKG sinking
SAWRS Supplementary Aviation SIR snow and ice on runway
WX Reporting Station SK sky cover
SBSD subside SKC sky clear
SBSDNC subsidence SKED schedule
SC stratocumulus SL sea level
SC South Carolina SLCT select
SCA Small Craft Advisory SLD solid
SCLN semicolon SLGT slight
SCNDRY secondary SLO slow
SCSL standing lenticular SLOSH sea land overlake surge
stratocumulus from hurricanes model
SCT scattered SLP slope
SCTR sector SLR slush on runway
SCTY security SLT sleet
SD South Dakota SLY southerly
SDBY standby SM statute mile
SDM structural dynamic model SMK smoke
SE southeast SML small
SELS severe local storms SMO surface meteorological
unit of NSSFC observation
SELY southeasterly SMR statute mile radius
SENS sensitivity SMRY summary
SEPN separation SMT submit
SEQ sequence SMTH smooth
SERN southeastern SMTM sometime
page 16
SMWHT somewhat STNRY stationary
SNBNK snowbank SUB substitute
SND sand/sanded/sanding SUBFIX subject to correction
SNFLK snowflake SUF sufficient
SNGL single SUG suggest
SNOINCR snow depth increase SUP supply
in past hour SUPCHG supercharge
SNW snow SUPPL supplement
SNWFL snowfall SUPR superior
SOI Southern Oscillation SUPSD supersede
Index SUSP suspend
SP station pressure SVC service
SP special observation SVCBL serviceable
SP snow pellets SVFR special visual flight
SPAN Stored Program for rules
Alpha Numerics SVG serving
SPCLY especially SVR severe
SPD speed SVRL several
SPEC specification SW snow showers
SPEC spectral model SW southwest
SPKL sprinkle SWAP severe weather avoidance
SPL special plan
SPLNS South Plains SWB scheduled weather
SPRD spread broadcast
SPRL spiral SWEAT severe weather threat
SQAL squall index
SQLN squall line SWH significant wave height
SR sunrise SWIS Satellite WX Information
SRCH search System
SRND surround SWLG swelling
SS sunset SWLY southwesterly
SSERN south-southeastern SWO Severe Weather Outlook
SSEWD south-southeastward SWODY1 SWO for Day 1
SSH sea surface height SWRN southwestern
SSI Showalter stability SX stability index
index SXN section
SST sea surface temperature SYNC synchronous
SSWRN south-southwestern SYNOP synoptic
SSWWD south-southwestward SYNS synopsis
ST saint SYS system
ST stratus T thunderstorm
STAGN stagnation T trace
STBL stable T training
STD standard T tropical (air mass)
STDLY steadily T true (bearing)
STDY steady T transverse
STFR stratus fractus T+ severe thunderstorms
STFRA stratus fractus TA temperature (PIREP only)
STFRM stratiform TAND tandum
STG strong TARND turn around
STLT satellite TB turbulence (PIREP only)
STM storm TBJT turbojet
STN station TC time check
page 17
TC tropical cyclone TOGA Tropical Oceans and
TCD tropical cyclone Global Atmosphere
discussion Program
TCHD threshold crossing TOP cloud top
height downwind TORN tornado
TCHU threshold crossing TOT time of transmission
height upwind TOVC top of overcast
TCNTL trans-continental TOY time of year
TCOM terminal communications TP aircraft type
TCPOD tropical cyclone plan TPG topping
of the day TRAJS trajectories
TCU towering cumulus TRBL trouble
TD touchdown TRIB tributary
TD tropical depression TRML terminal
TDA today TRMM Tropical Rainfall
TDEL time delay Measuring Mission
TDZ touchdown zone TRMT terminate
TEL telecommunications TROF trough
TEMP temperature TROP tropopause
TERPS terminal instrument TRPC tropic
procedures TRPCD tropical continental
TET tetrahedron (air mass)
TF terrain following TRPCL tropical
TF thermal fine TRPLYR trapping layer
TFC traffic TRRN terrain
THD thunderhead TRSN transition
THDR thunder TRTD treated
THK thick TS thermal smooth
THKNS thickness TS tropical storm
THN thin TSAF Tropical Satellite
THR threshold Analysis & Forecast unit
THRFTR thereafter TSATLC Trans-Atlantic
THRU through TSFR transfer
THRUT throughout TSHWR thundershower
THSD thousand TSNT transient
THTN threaten TSPAC Trans-Pacific
TIL until TSQLS thundersqualls
TIP until past TSTM thunderstorm
TKO takeoff TURBC turbulence
TLRNC tolerance TURBT turbulent
TLWD tailwind TVL travel
TM time (PIREP only) TVS tornadic vortex signature
TMPRY temporary TWD toward
TMT transmit TWEB transcribed weather
TMW tomorrow broadcast
TN Tennessee TWI twilight
TNDCY tendency TWO tropical weather outlook
TNGT tonight TWR tower visibility
TNO no thunderstorm TWRG towering
information TWRIN tower in an obscuration
TNTV tentative TX Texas
TOC to be continued U intensity unknown
page 18
UA a pilot report VCNTY vicinity
UAB until advised by VCTR vector
UDDF up and down drafts VDP visual descent point
UFA until further advised VFY verify
UFN until further notice VHF very high frequency
UFO unidentified flying VHRR very high-resolution
object radiometer
UHF ultra high frequency VIL vertically integrated
UM unable to maintain liquid water vapor
UN unable VIP video integrator
UNAPV unable to approve processor
UNATNDD unattended VIS visibility
UNAVBL unavailable VLCTY velocity
UNDLD undelivered VLF very low frequency
UNEC unnecessary VLNT violent
UNHRD unheard VLY valley
UNID unidentified VMC visual meteorological
UNKN unknown conditions
UNL unlimited VOL volume
UNLCTD unlighted VORT vorticity
UNMON unable to monitor VORTLOBE vortex lobe
UNOFF unofficial VORTMAX vortex maximum
UNOFFL unofficial VOU voucher
UNRDBL unreadable VR veer
UNRELBL unreliable VRBL variable
UNRSTD unrestricted VRG veering
UNSATFY unsatisfactory VRISL Vancouver Island BC
UNSBL unseasonable VRT MOTN vertical motion
UNSKED unscheduled VSB visible
UNSTBL unstable VSBY visibility
UNSTDY unsteady VSBYDR visibility decreasing
UNSTL unsettle rapidly
UNUSBL unusable VSBYIR visibility increasing
UPDFTS up drafts rapidly
UPR upper VT Vermont
UPSLP upslope VTR vector
UPSTRM upstream W indefinite ceiling
URG urgent W warm (air mass)
USBL usable W west
UT Utah WA AIRMET
UTC Coordinated Universal WA Washington
Time WAA warm air advection
UTH upper tropospheric WBTS whereabouts
humidity WDLY widely
UUA urgent PIREP WDSPRD widespread
UVV upward vertical WEA weather
velocity WEFAX Weather Encoded
UWNDS upper winds Facsimile
V variable WER weak echo region
VA Victor Airways WFO weather forecast
VA Virginia office
VARN variation WFP warm front passage
VAULT echo-free vault/ BWER WI Wisconsin
page 19
WI with XCP except
WIBIS will be issued XPC expect
WILCO will comply XPLOS explosive
WINT winter XREP auxiliary report
WIP work in progress XTAL crystal
WK weak XTLK cross talk
WKDAY weekday Y Yukon Standard Time
WKEND weekend YDA yesterday
WKN weaken YKN Yukon
WL will YLSTN Yellowstone
WLYS westerlies Z Greenwich Mean Time
WMO World Meteorological ZI zonal index
Organization ZI zone of interior
WND wind ZL freezing drizzle
WNWRN west-northwestern ZONE forecast zone
WNWWD west-northwestward ZR freezing rain
WO without ZRNO info. on freezing rain
WORM write once read many will not be available
WP waypoint ================================
WPLTO Westem Plateau Standard Suffixes to add to
WR wet runway abbreviations:
WRAPARND wrap-around ================================
WRM warm
WRMFNT warm front able BL
WRNG warning al L
WRS worse ally, erly, ly LY
WS SIGMET ary, ery, ory RY
WSHFT wind shift ance, ence NC
WSO Weather Service Office der DR
WSR wet snow on runway ed, ied D
WSR weather surveillance ening NG
Radar er, ier, or R
WSR-57 WSR-1957 ern RN
WSR-74 WSR-1974 ically CLY
WSR-88D WSR-1988 Doppler ive V
WSTCH Wasatch Range iest, est ST
WSWRN west-southwestern iness, ness NS
WSWWD west-southwestward ing G
WT weight ity TY
WTR water ment MT
WTSPT waterspout ous US
WV wave s, es, ies S
WV water vapor tion, ation N
WV wind at altitude ward WD
(PIREP only)
WV West Virginia
WW severe weather forecast
WWW World Weather Watch
WX weather
WXCON weather reconnaissance
flight pilot report (Compiled by Debi Iacovelli 72520,1210)
WY Wyoming
Wl within
|