What type of weather information does a METAR provide?

A METAR is a standardized format used to report current meteorological conditions at an airport or weather station. The reports are typically generated and updated every hour, providing essential information such as temperature, wind direction and speed, visibility, precipitation, and cloud cover. Option B correctly identifies that METARs provide the latest observed weather reports from various global stations, encompassing a wide range of weather parameters that are vital for aviation and other weather-dependent operations. This real-time data is crucial for pilots, meteorologists, and ground personnel to make informed decisions regarding flight safety and operational planning.

The other options reflect different types of weather information that do not align with the purpose of METAR reports. Forecasted weather, for instance, is provided by other formats like TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast), while aggregate monthly statistics would come from climatological data reports rather than real-time observations. METARs specifically focus on current conditions rather than historical data or long-term forecasts.