Which of the following does NOT typically appear in a METAR report?

A METAR report provides a standardized format for reporting weather conditions, primarily for aviation purposes. In this format, several specific elements are included to offer essential information about current weather at an airport.

The local time of the report is indicated, which helps in understanding the temporal context of the weather data. Reported wind speed is also included, providing vital information for pilots regarding flight operations, as wind conditions significantly impact takeoff, landing, and in-flight maneuvers. Ceiling height is another critical component found in a METAR, indicating the height at which the lowest layer of clouds or obscuration is reported. This is particularly important for determining flight visibility and safety.

In contrast, precipitation amounts do not typically appear in a standard METAR report. While precipitation may be mentioned in other weather reports or advisories, METARs focus on current weather phenomena that are directly relevant to aviation operations, such as temperature, dew point, wind details, visibility, cloud cover, and significant weather events. As a result, precipitation amounts are not part of the basic METAR reporting elements. This makes it clear that the absence of precipitation data distinguishes it from the critical information that is actually included in a METAR.