What does the acronym METAR stand for in aviation weather reports?

The acronym METAR stands for Meteorological Aerodrome Report, which is a standard format for reporting current weather conditions at airports and aerodromes. This type of report provides crucial information such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, visibility, and significant weather phenomena, all of which are essential for pilots to make informed decisions during flight operations.

The term "aerodrome" specifically refers to a defined area on land or water intended for the arrival, departure, and surface movement of aircraft, making the focus of the report very relevant to aviation contexts. The METAR reports are typically issued at regular intervals and are used globally, ensuring consistency in aviation weather reporting practices, which is vital for flight safety and planning.

The other options do not accurately represent the type of information conveyed in a METAR report. For example, an "Annual Report" would not serve the purpose of providing timely weather updates needed for flight operations, while "Aerodynamic" and "Atmospheric" inaccurately describe the focus of the METAR as it pertains specifically to weather conditions at aerodromes.