What type of weather report is indicated by the acronym METAR?

The acronym METAR stands for "Meteorological Aerodrome Report," which is a standardized format for reporting weather conditions at an airport or aerodrome. The METAR report provides essential information such as temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction, visibility, cloud cover, and significant weather phenomena. This comprehensive data is crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers for flight operations, landing, and takeoff planning.

In comparison, other options describe different types of weather information. A short-term weather forecast is typically more generalized and doesn't provide the detailed, real-time data that a METAR report contains. Severe weather warnings focus specifically on hazardous conditions, alerting the public and pilots to immediate threats, rather than offering a routine summary of current weather. Ground-level obstructions reports usually relate to hazards that might affect operations, rather than providing a complete picture of the overall weather conditions. Therefore, recognizing METAR as a standard aviation weather report underlines its role in ensuring safety and operational planning in aviation.