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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-speci-report

What is a SPECI weather report?

A special METAR issued between routine reports when weather changes.

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  1. A forecast for the next 24 hours
  2. A pilot's report of turbulence
  3. A special METAR issued between routine reports ✔

Why: METARs come out on a regular schedule. When significant weather changes happen, a special METAR called a SPECI can be issued at any time between the routine reports.

Huh, didn't know that: A wind shift can trigger a SPECI when direction changes at least 45 degrees in under 15 minutes and winds stay at least 10 knots.

The dad joke
The weather station issued a SPECI. It said it was feeling special today.
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References

Answer: A special METAR issued between routine reports. METARs come out on a regular schedule. When significant weather changes happen, a special METAR called a SPECI can be issued at any time between the routine reports.

  1. Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-H-8083-25C, Chapter 13 www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-25c.pdf
    A special METAR (SPECI) can be issued at any time between routine METAR reports
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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