What does a TAF provide?

A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) specifically provides weather forecasts for the vicinity of an airport. This forecast is crucial for aviation operations as it includes information on expected weather conditions that can affect flight safety and operations, typically within a 5 nautical mile radius of the airport, for a duration of 24 to 30 hours. The TAF includes important elements such as wind speed and direction, visibility, significant weather phenomena (like rain, snow, thunderstorms), and cloud cover, all of which are essential for pilots in their decision-making process and flight planning.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of weather information that do not align with the specific purpose of a TAF. Climate trends for the next month relate to long-term weather patterns rather than immediate forecasts. Weather forecasts for a city might provide general meteorological trends but lack the specific details required for aviation. Historical weather data includes past weather events and statistics, which are not helpful for real-time flight operations. Therefore, the TAF is invaluable to pilots and air traffic control as it delivers pertinent, time-sensitive weather information directly related to airport operations.