Training Guide in Surface Weather Observations - Multiple Choices

Code the following wind situations for a transmitted coded METAR report.
4. You can detect air movement. The direction indicator shows 250°, but the speed indicates calm.
5. The direction indicator shows 250°; the average wind speed is 12 knots with fluctuations between
9 and 19 knots.
6. The direction varies between 030 and 090°; the speed shows 4 knots.
7. The direction fluctuates between 020 and 100°; the speed shows an average of 12 knots.
Choose the correct answer(s) for the following:
8. Which of the following parameters are included in the body of the METAR wind element:
_____ direction
_____ speed
_____ squalls
_____ shifts
9. Wind direction and wind speed are determined by averaging a _____ period.
a. 1-minute
b. 2-minute
c. 5-minute
d. 10-minute
10. Wind direction may be considered variable whenever:
_____ during a 2-minute period, the wind speed is 6 knots
_____ the wind direction changes by 45°
_____ during a 2-minute period, the direction varies by 60° or more and the speed is greater than
6 knots
11. What minimum criteria must be satisfied for a wind shift to occur?
_____ a change in wind direction of 45° or more
_____ a change in wind direction of 25° or more
_____ the change occurs in less than 15 minutes
_____ wind speeds during the change are at least 6 knots
_____ wind speeds during the change are at least 10 knots
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