What information is provided by "METAR AUTO" in a report?

The designation "METAR AUTO" in a report indicates that the weather information was automatically generated by an automated weather station without human intervention. This means that all the data included, such as temperature, wind direction and speed, visibility, and precipitation, are recorded and compiled by sensors and equipment, ensuring that the report is produced quickly and efficiently.

Automatic reports are beneficial because they provide timely weather data, particularly for locations where human observation may not be feasible. However, it’s important to note that while "METAR AUTO" reports are reliable, they may sometimes lack the detailed observational insight that a trained weather observer might provide if the report were manually generated. Thus, using automated systems enhances the ability to continually monitor changing weather conditions.