METARSPECI

METARSPECI is a term used in aviation meteorology to refer to a special meteorological report. METAR itself is a coded message that provides a snapshot of current weather conditions at an airport. A SPECI, or special observation, is a METAR that is issued when there is a significant change in one or more weather elements that is not expected to be temporary. These changes can include sudden improvements or deteriorations in visibility, cloud base, wind speed, or the presence of precipitation or thunderstorms. The purpose of SPECI reports is to alert pilots and air traffic controllers to rapidly changing weather conditions that could impact flight safety. The coding format for a SPECI is the same as a regular METAR, but it is distinguished by the inclusion of the word "SPECI" at the beginning of the report. This ensures that users can quickly identify that the observation reflects a notable shift in weather. Aviation authorities define specific criteria for when a SPECI observation must be made, ensuring consistency in reporting.