7. Weather—broken down into two different categories:  qualifiers and weather phenomenon (e.g., +TSRA  BR). First, the qualifiers of intensity, proximity,  and the descriptor of the weather will be given. The  intensity may be light (–), moderate ( ), or heavy  (+). Proximity depicts only weather phenomena  that are in the airport vicinity. The notation “VC”  indicates a specific weather phenomenon is in the  vicinity of 5 to 10 miles from the airport. Descriptors  are used to describe certain types of precipitation  and obscurations. Weather phenomena may be  reported as being precipitation, obscurations, and  other phenomena such as squalls or funnel clouds.  Descriptions of weather phenomena as they begin or  end, and hailstone size are also listed in the remarks  sections of the report.  8. Sky condition—always reported in the sequence of  amount, height, and type or indefinite ceiling/height  (vertical visibility) (e.g., BKN008 OVC012CB).  The heights of the cloud bases are reported with a  three-digit number in hundreds of feet above the  ground. Clouds above 12,000 feet are not detected  or reported by an automated station. The types of  clouds, specifically towering cumulus (TCU) or  cumulonimbus (CB) clouds, are reported with their  height. Contractions are used to describe the amount  of cloud coverage and obscuring phenomena. The  amount of sky coverage is reported in eighths of the  sky from horizon to horizon.  9. Temperature and dew point—always given in degrees  Celsius (e.g., 18/17). Temperatures below 0 °C are  preceded by the letter “M” to indicate minus. 10. Altimeter setting—reported as inches of mercury in  a four-digit number group, and is always preceded  by the letter “A” (e.g., A2970). Rising or falling  pressure may also be denoted in the remarks sections  as “PRESRR” or “PRESFR” respectively. 11. Remarks—comments may or may not appear in this  section of the METAR. The information contained in  this section may include wind data, variable visibility,  beginning and ending times of particular phenomenon,  pressure information, and various other information  deemed necessary. An example of a remark regarding  weather phenomenon that does not fit in any other  category would be: OCNL LTGICCG. This translates  as occasional lightning in the clouds, and from cloud  to ground. Automated stations also use the remarks  section to indicate the equipment needs maintenance.  The remarks section always begins with the letters  “RMK.” 5. Forecast Wind—the wind direction and speed forecast  are reported in a five-digit number group. The first  three digits indicate the direction of the wind in  reference to true north. The last two digits state the  windspeed in knots, as denoted by the letters “KT.”  4-38 4. Valid period date and time—the valid forecast time  period is reported in a six-digit number group. The  first two numbers indicate the date, followed by the  two-digit beginning time for the valid period, followed  by the two digit ending time. 3. Date and Time of Origin—reported in a six-digit code.  The first two indicate the date, the last four indicate  the time. Time is always given in UTC as denoted by  the “Z” following the number group. 2.  ICAO station identifier—The station identifier is the  same as that used in a METAR. 1. Type of report—TAF can be either a routine forecast  (TAF) or an amended forecast (TAF AMD). A terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF) is a report established  for the five statute mile radius around an airport. TAF reports  are usually given for larger airports. Each TAF is valid for a  24-hour time period, and is updated four times a day at 0000Z,  0600Z, 1200Z, and 1800Z. TAF utilizes the same descriptors  and abbreviations as used in the METAR report. The terminal forecast includes the following information in  sequential order: Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) Explanation: Example:  METAR BTR 161753Z 14021G26 3/4SM -RA BR BKN008  OVC012 18/17 A2970 RMK PRESFR Type of Report Routine METAR Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Date: 16th day of the month Time: 1753 Zulu Modifier:  None shown Wind Information:  140° at 21 kts gusting to 26 kts Visibility: 3/4 statute mile Weather: light rain and mist Sky Conditions: Broken 800 ft, overcast 1,200 Temperature: 18 °C, dew point 17 °C Altimeter: 29.70 "Hg Remarks: Barometric pressure is falling.