What does gusty wind code as in the wind group of a METAR?

In the wind group of a METAR report, gusty wind is indicated by the letter "G." This indicates that there are wind gusts present, which can be relevant for pilots and meteorologists to evaluate current weather conditions.

When assessing wind conditions at an airport, it's crucial to understand the difference between sustained winds and gusts. Sustained winds refer to the average windspeed over a specific period of time, while gusts represent short bursts of wind that may be significantly stronger than the sustained wind speed. The "G" notation allows for an immediate understanding of the presence and impact of these sudden increases in wind speed, which can affect aircraft takeoff, landing, and in-flight operations.

The other options do not represent gusty winds in METAR reports. For example, "V" is used for variable winds, "S" denotes strong winds or storms, and "M" is not a standard code used in wind reporting. Thus, understanding the significance of the "G" in the context of aviation weather reporting is essential for safety and operational decision-making.