What does "PKWND30027/05" describe in a METAR report?

What does "PKWND30027/05" describe in a METAR report?

• A. Peak wind from 300° at 27 knots, recorded at 5 minutes after the hour
• B. Peak wind from 30° at 27 knots, recorded at 5 minutes before the hour
• C. Average wind speed over 5 minutes
• D. Wind gusts recorded every hour

Answer: (A)

The phrase "PKWND30027/05" in a METAR report indicates peak wind information. The "PKWND" stands for "peak wind," while "300" specifies the direction of the wind in degrees, indicating the wind came from 300 degrees. The "27" represents the speed of the wind, which is 27 knots. The "/05" at the end tells us that this peak wind observation was recorded at 5 minutes after the hour. This choice accurately reflects the METAR format for documenting peak winds, which provides critical information for pilots and meteorologists regarding the most intense wind conditions recorded. The clarity about the direction (300°), the speed (27 knots), and the exact time (5 minutes past the hour) is essential for understanding the weather conditions at that time.

The phrase "PKWND30027/05" in a METAR report indicates peak wind information. The "PKWND" stands for "peak wind," while "300" specifies the direction of the wind in degrees, indicating the wind came from 300 degrees. The "27" represents the speed of the wind, which is 27 knots. The "/05" at the end tells us that this peak wind observation was recorded at 5 minutes after the hour.

This choice accurately reflects the METAR format for documenting peak winds, which provides critical information for pilots and meteorologists regarding the most intense wind conditions recorded. The clarity about the direction (300°), the speed (27 knots), and the exact time (5 minutes past the hour) is essential for understanding the weather conditions at that time.