What does a METAR report primarily contain?

A METAR report is a standardized format for reporting current weather observations at an airport. It primarily contains critical elements that inform pilots and meteorologists about the current weather conditions. Specifically, it includes wind direction and speed, visibility, types of precipitation, cloud coverage, temperature, and the altimeter setting. These components are essential for flight operations as they help pilots assess the current weather conditions before departure and during flight.

The value of a METAR lies in its ability to provide real-time data that directly impacts flight safety and operational decision-making. Other types of reports, such as TAFs (Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts), deal with weather predictions rather than current conditions, which is why they are not included in a METAR report.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the content of a METAR. Flight schedules and delays pertain to airline operations, while historical weather data and projected weather scenarios are focused on different aspects of meteorology, neither of which are the purpose of a METAR. Therefore, option B correctly captures the essential elements of a METAR report.