What does A02 mean on a METAR?

What does A02 mean on a METAR?

• A. It indicates the station is manual and has no precipitation sensor
• B. It indicates the station reports only cloud cover
• C. It indicates the station is automated but lacks a precipitation sensor
• D. It indicates the station is automated and has a precipitation sensor that can differentiate precipitation types

Answer: (D)

In METAR coding, the remark AO2 shows that the station is automated and equipped with a precipitation sensor capable of differentiating precipitation types (rain, snow, etc.). This means the weather sensor can not only detect that precipitation is occurring but also identify its type, without needing a human observer. If it were AO1, the station would be automated but without a sensor that can distinguish precipitation types. So AO2 is the best answer because it explicitly describes both automation and a capable precipitation-sensing capability.

In METAR coding, the remark AO2 shows that the station is automated and equipped with a precipitation sensor capable of differentiating precipitation types (rain, snow, etc.). This means the weather sensor can not only detect that precipitation is occurring but also identify its type, without needing a human observer. If it were AO1, the station would be automated but without a sensor that can distinguish precipitation types. So AO2 is the best answer because it explicitly describes both automation and a capable precipitation-sensing capability.