What do the letters "KT" in a METAR report denote?

In a METAR report, the letters "KT" denote wind speed measured in knots. This unit is widely used in aviation and meteorology to provide clear and concise information on wind conditions. Knots are particularly useful because they correlate directly to nautical miles per hour, which is standard in both maritime and air navigation.

Each knot represents one nautical mile per hour, which helps pilots understand how wind will affect aircraft performance during takeoff, landing, and flight. This is critical information for flight planning and real-time decision-making, making the accurate interpretation of "KT" essential for pilots and meteorologists alike.

While kilometers might seem like a reasonable alternative, they are not the unit of measure used in METAR reports. Temperature does not relate to wind speed, and "knotting time" does not exist as an aviation or meteorological term. Therefore, "KT" as denoting "knots" is the only fitting option in the context of METAR wind reporting.