This module discussed the three ways of accessing METAR observations: the fully decoded form (metarfulldecode), the table-decoded form (metardecode), and the raw observation form (metar). Advantages and limitations of each format were outlined. Commonly-used elements were decoded, and a key to abbreviations was given. Also discussed was a technique for quickly converting from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Further Reading/Useful Links
METAR Observations in real time, direct from the National Weather Service