What information does the METAR provide?

The METAR provides critical weather conditions at an airport, which are essential for pilots to make informed decisions regarding flight operations. This report includes key information such as temperature, wind direction and speed, visibility, weather phenomena (like rain, snow, or fog), and cloud cover. These elements are vital for assessing the suitability of airport conditions for takeoff and landing, as well as for planning and conducting safe flights. By effectively communicating the current weather status, the METAR helps pilots understand the environmental factors they must consider, ensuring that both the safety and efficiency of operations are maintained.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose of the METAR. Flight path details and airspace restrictions pertain to navigation charts and air traffic control instructions rather than weather data. Passenger safety information and regulations are typically governed by aviation authorities and relate more to operations, procedures, and passenger care rather than weather conditions. Maintenance records and service history are relevant to aircraft reliability but are not contained in METAR reports, which focus solely on the atmospheric conditions at airports.