Hi all,

I recently noticed some abbreviations when I received a location briefing for Perth Airport (YPPH). After looking through GEN 3.5 'Meteorological Services', I haven't been able to work out what the observer is reporting. I have highlighted the specific abbreviations in question.

Can someone please help me determine what these mean?

Many thanks,

Ryan T

PERTH (YPPH)
TAF AMD YPPH 120524Z 1206/1312
34014KT 9999 SHOWERS OF LIGHT RAIN BKN030
FM121100 36010KT 5000 MODERATE RAIN BKN010
FM121500 01010KT 9999 SHOWERS OF LIGHT RAIN FEW015 SCT030
FM130500 20012KT 9999 SHOWERS OF LIGHT RAIN SCT025 SCT035
TEMPO 1209/1215 2000 MODERATE RAIN BKN005
INTER 1215/1309 5000 SHOWERS OF MODERATE RAIN BKN008
PROB30 INTER 1209/1212 VRB25G45KT 1000 THUNDERSTORMS WITH MODERATE
RAIN BKN005 FEW025CB
PROB30 1215/1224 0500 MODERATE FOG
PROB30 INTER 1218/1306 VRB25G45KT 1000 THUNDERSTORMS WITH MODERATE
RAIN BKN005 FEW025CB
RMK
T 21 17 13 13 Q 1014 1014 1014 1013

TTF METAR YPPH 120800Z 03009KT CAVOK 19/08 Q1013
RMK RF00.0/000.0 5SC055 8SC065
TEMPO 0930/1100 2000 MODERATE RAIN BKN010

METAR YPPH 120800Z 03009KT CAVOK 19/08 Q1013
RMK RF00.0/000.0 5SC055 8SC065

ATIS YPPH N 120723
+ APCH: EXPECT ILS APCH
RWY: 03 FOR ARR.
RWY 03 FOR DEPS VIA AVNEX, OTLED, GURAK, MANDU,
SOLUS AND KEELS.
RWY 06 FOR ALL OTHER DEPS
+ WIND: 360/14
+ VIS: GREATER THAN 10KM, REDUCING TO 8KM
+ WX: -VCSH
+ CLD: SCT030
TMP: 19
QNH: 1013

Hi Ryan,
That's a new one on us. We can only assume that since any BKN cloud at any height (even above 5000 feet) is now included in the TAF ,it must mean 5/8 of Strato Cumulus at 5500 feet and 8/8 of Strato Cumulus at 6500. Why on earth they decided not to use BKN is beyond us.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your help on this rather odd question - I think your assumption is probably on the money.

I'm still baffled why they haven't included this abbreviation in the AIP ... maybe they want to keep it a secret (haha).

Kind regards,

Ryan T

Hi Ryan,

Check out AIP GEN 3.5, 12.13.2 for the exact reference Bob mentioned:

"In METAR/SPECI, whenever a total of BKN or more low or middle--level cloud is at or above 5000FT, and CAVOK has been reported, the cloud amount and base will be given after the RMK indicator"

Cheers,

Rich

Hi Rich,

Excellent! Thanks for supplying the reference for this one

Regards,

Ryan T