Smithers Airport

CYYD / YYD

Smithers, CA

Current TAF Forecast

Raw TAF:
TAF CYYD 150040Z 1501/1506 35010KT P6SM SCT060 BKN100 TEMPO 1501/1504 P6SM -SHRA BKN060 FM150400 35005KT P6SM SCT060 BKN090 TEMPO 1504/1506 FEW030 BKN060 RMK NXT FCST BY 151400Z

Detailed TAF Table

Parameter
Fri
05:00Z
+-1h
Wind Dir
350°
N
Wind Speed
10 kt
Visibility
>6SM
Weather
☀️ Clear
Clouds
SCT060
BKN100
Ceiling
10,000 ft
AGL
Flight Rules VFR
Day/Night
☀️
Day
🌅 04:42Z
Flight Rules
VFR: Visual Flight Rules
MVFR: Marginal VFR
IFR: Instrument Flight Rules
LIFR: Low IFR
Ceiling Colors
Red: < 500ft
Amber: 500-1000ft
Blue: 1000-3000ft
Green: > 3000ft
⛈️ TCU: Towering Cumulus
🌩️ CB: Cumulonimbus
+Nh: Hours from now%: Probability of occurrenceAGL: Above Ground Level

Forecast Periods

BASE
VFR
Wind
350° at 10 kt
Visibility
>6SM
Clouds
SCT060 BKN100
📖 Plain English Explanation:

This is the base forecast condition. Winds from the North (350°) at 10 kt. Visibility will be excellent at more than 6SM. Scattered clouds at 6000 feet, Broken clouds at 10000 feet. Conditions will be suitable for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations.

TEMPO 01:00Z - 04:00Z
VFR
Visibility
>6SM
Weather
Light Showers Rain
Clouds
BKN060
📖 Plain English Explanation:

Temporary conditions (lasting less than an hour at a time) may include: Visibility will be excellent at more than 6SM. Weather conditions: Light Showers Rain. Broken clouds at 6000 feet. Conditions will be suitable for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations.

FM150400 04:00Z - 10:00Z
VFR
Wind
350° at 5 kt
Visibility
>6SM
Clouds
SCT060 BKN090
📖 Plain English Explanation:

Winds from the North (350°) at 5 kt. Visibility will be excellent at more than 6SM. Scattered clouds at 6000 feet, Broken clouds at 9000 feet. Conditions will be suitable for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations.

TEMPO 04:00Z - 06:00Z
VFR
Weather
FCST
Clouds
FEW030 BKN060
📖 Plain English Explanation:

Temporary conditions (lasting less than an hour at a time) may include: Weather conditions: FCST. Few clouds at 3000 feet, Broken clouds at 6000 feet. Conditions will be suitable for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations.

📚 Understanding TAF Forecasts

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) provides detailed weather forecasts specifically for aviation operations. Our system translates complex meteorological codes into plain English to help pilots of all experience levels understand forecasted conditions.

What TAF Includes:

  • • Wind direction, speed, and gusts
  • • Visibility in statute miles or kilometers
  • • Weather phenomena (rain, snow, fog, thunderstorms)
  • • Cloud coverage types and altitudes
  • • Forecast changes with timing
  • • Flight rules categories (VFR/IFR)

Change Indicators Explained:

  • BASE - Main forecast conditions
  • FM - Permanent change from specific time
  • BECMG - Gradual change over 2-4 hours
  • TEMPO - Temporary changes (less than 1 hour)
  • PROB30/40 - 30% or 40% probability

🛩️ Flight Rules Categories

VFR

Visual Flight Rules

  • • Ceiling ≥ 3000 ft
  • • Visibility ≥ 5 miles
  • • Good for visual flying

MVFR

Marginal VFR

  • • Ceiling 1000-3000 ft
  • • Visibility 3-5 miles
  • • Caution for VFR

IFR

Instrument Flight Rules

  • • Ceiling 500-1000 ft
  • • Visibility 1-3 miles
  • • Instruments required

LIFR

Low IFR

  • • Ceiling < 500 ft
  • • Visibility < 1 mile
  • • Challenging conditions

💡 TAF Reading Tips

For Student Pilots:

  • • Focus on the plain English explanations above
  • • Pay attention to flight rules categories
  • • Look for wind direction relative to runway headings
  • • Check for temporary conditions (TEMPO)

For Experienced Pilots:

  • • Cross-reference with raw TAF for precise timing
  • • Consider probability forecasts for alternate planning
  • • Monitor BECMG periods for gradual changes
  • • Always check current METAR vs TAF forecast

Important: TAF forecasts should always be supplemented with current METAR observations, PIREPs, and other weather information for complete situational awareness. Weather can change rapidly, and forecasts have inherent limitations.