Richards Bay Airport
FARB / RCB
Richards Bay, ZA
Current TAF Forecast
Detailed TAF Table
| Parameter |
Sat
16:00Z
+-1h
|
|---|---|
| Wind Dir |
200°
S
|
| Wind Speed |
8kt
|
| Visibility |
3 km
|
| Weather |
Rain
RA
|
| Clouds |
BKN010
OVC020
|
| Ceiling |
1000ft
AGL
|
| Flight Rules | IFR |
| Day/Night |
☀️
Day
🌇
18:51
|
Forecast Periods
📖 Plain English Explanation:
This is the base forecast condition. Winds from the South-Southwest (200°) at 8kt. Visibility will be moderate at 3 km. Weather conditions: Rain. Broken clouds at 1000 feet, Overcast skies at 2000 feet. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions - instrument flying required.
📖 Plain English Explanation:
Conditions will gradually change to become: Winds will be variable in direction at 3kt. 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.