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WEATHER CODE
20
ISSUED BY
DESIGNED & PRINTED AT
THE METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE PRESS, OFFICE OF THE
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL
ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL
OF METEOROLOGY (WEATHER FORECASTING)
OF METEOROLOGY (RESEARCH),PUNE GOVERNMEN
INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT
PUNE - 411 005 INDIA METEOROLOGICAL DEP
CD AUTHORED AT
THE DTP UNIT OF THE
OFFICE OF THE ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR GENERAL OF METEOROLOGY (RESEARCH), PUNE

DESIGNED & PRINTED → DTP UNIT / PRINTING UNIT

Office of the Additional Director
General of Meteorology (Research),
Pune – 5
WEATHER CODE
CONTENTS

I Symbolic form of codes for telegraphing surface observation 1

A Routine Morning (0300 hrs UTC) and 1
Evening (1200 hrs UTC) observations
B Other Routine Observations 2
(0000, 0600, 0900, 1500, 1800 and 2100 hrs GMT)
Explanatory Notes 2

II Meanings of the Symbols 6

III Specifications of the Codes 9

Page Page
No. No.
Code 1, Code 2 9 Code 3 10
Code 4 11 Code 5 12
Code 6, Code 7 13 Code 8 14
Code 9 15 Code 10, Code 11 16
Code 12 17 Code 13, Code 14 19
Code 15, Code 16 20 Code 17, Code 18, Code 19 22
Code 20 23 Code 21 24
Code 22, Code 23 26 Code 24, Code 25 27
Code 26 30 Code 27 31

IV Special Observations 41
A Requisition for Special Observation 41
B Code for reporting Special Observations 42

V General 43
Special Phenomena Code in Synoptic Messages 43
Meaning of Symbolic Letters for use in Region II 49
Specification of the Code Figure for use in Region II 52
WEATHER CODE
FOREWORD

“Weather Codes” for transmission of observational data by telegram have been in

use in the India Meteorological Department for a century now. They have undergone
changes progressively to meet the ever-growing needs of additional as well as more
accurate observational data. About seventy-five years ago, the “Weather Codes” were
standardised for international use and “Weather Code (1931)” was brought into effect. This
was revised significantly in 1939, 1946, 1949 and 1955 and “Weather Code (1955)” based
on the code evolved by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has been in vogue
since then.

Weather Observations from the surface are made from different types of platform
like manned observatories, automatic stations and ships and different code forms are used
by them in reporting their observations. A need for having a common code for reporting
surface observations from different types of surface stations was being felt and as a result,
the Commission for Basic System of the WMO evolved such a code and introduced it for
worldwide use from 1.1.82. Consequently, “Weather Code (1982)” was brought out for use
in India from 0000 GMT of 1.1.1982

The present edition is mainly a reprint of Weather Code 1982 apart from some
rearrangements and some minor modifications which have been incorporated in the regional
practice in due course of time.

I take this opportunity to remind the observers that forecasts and warnings issued
by the Department daily to airmen, seamen, agriculturists, the public and the Government
officials are based on the observational data supplied by them. Observations by modern
instruments like radar and satellites cannot replace surface observations taken by the
observers; in fact, they are complementary to each other. They should realise how much the
safety of life and property in air, sea and land depend on the accuracy of the data supplied
by them. Moreover, many important economic decisions are taken based on weather
observations. They must, therefore, be sure of the accuracy and reliability of the
information communicated in the Weather Telegram. Not only should the observations be
made correctly, they should also be coded properly, as ultimately the coded messages form
the basis of information available at the Forecasting Offices. The Observers should make a
special note of the fact that for reducing the length of the message, provision is made in this
code for dropping out many of the groups including the important groups on weather and
precipitation in certain conditions. Some specific code figures are introduced to indicate their
omission. These provisions should be carefully studied and the weather telegram prepared
in accordance with the instructions.

1st March 2005 Dr. N. Jayanthi

India Meteorological Department Deputy Director General
of Meteorology (Weather Forecasting)
I. SYMBOLIC FORM OF CODES FOR TELEGRAPHING SURFACE OBSERVATION

A] ROUTINE MORNING (0300 HRS. UTC) AND EVENING (1200 HRS UTC) OBSERVATIONS.

INLAND STATION COASTAL STATIONS

MiMiMjMj YYGGiw SECTION 0 MiMiMjMj YYGGiw
iR ix h V V SECTION 1 iR ix h V V
N d d f f N d d f f
1 sn T T T 1 sn T T T
2 sn Td Td Td 2 sn Td Td Td
3 Po Po Po Po 3 Po Po Po Po
4 P P P P 4 P P P P
7 w w W1 W2 7 w w W1 W2
8 Nh CL CM CH 8 Nh CL CM CH
SECTION 2 2 2 2 / /
1 Pwa Pwa Hwa Hwa
2 Pw Pw Hw Hw
3 dw1 dw1 dw2 dw2
4 Pw1 Pw1 Hw1 Hw1
5 Pw2 Pw2 Hw2 Hw2
3 3 3 SECTION 3 3 3 3
1 sn Tx Tx Tx 1 sn Tx Tx Tx
2 sn Tn Tn Tn 2 sn Tn Tn Tn
5 6 DL DM DH 5 6 DL DM DH
5 7 C Da eC 5 7 C Da eC
5 8 P24 P24 P24 5 8 P24 P24 P24
5 9 P24 P24 P24 5 9 P24 P24 P24
6 R R R tR 6 R R R tR
8 Ns C hs hs 8 Ns C hs hs
9 Sp Sp sp sp 9 Sp Sp sp sp
5 5 5 SECTION 5 5 5 5
0 R24 R24 R24 R24 0 R24 R24 R24 R24
1 RT RT RT RT 1 RT RT RT RT
2 Dq Fq q qt 2 Dq Fq q qt

1
B] OTHER ROUTINE OBSERVATIONS (0000, 0600, 0900, 1500, 1800 AND 2100 HRS. GMT)

INLAND STATIONS COASTAL STATIONS

MiMiMjMj YYGGiw (SECTION 0) MiMiMjMj YYGGiw
iR ix h V V (SECTION 1) iR ix h V V
N d d f f N d d f f
1 sn T T T 1 sn T T T
2 sn Td Td Td 2 sn Td Td Td
3 Po Po Po Po 3 Po Po Po Po
4 P P P P 4 P P P P
7 w w W1 W2 7 w w W1 W2
8 Nh CL CM CH 8 Nh CL CM CH

(SECTION 2) 2 2 2 / /
1 Pwa Pwa Hwa Hwa
2 Pw Pw Hw Hw
3 dw1 dw1 dw2 dw2
4 Pw1 Pw1 Hw1 Hw1
5 Pw2 Pw2 Hw2 Hw2
3 3 3 (SECTION 3) 3 3 3
5 6 DL DM DH 5 6 DL DM DH
5 7 C Da eC 5 7 C Da eC
5 8 P24 P24 P24 5 8 P24 P24 P24
5 9 P24 P24 P24 5 9 P24 P24 P24
6 R R R tR 6 R R R tR
8 Ns C hs hs 8 Ns C hs hs
9 Sp Sp sp sp 9 Sp Sp sp sp
5 5 5 (SECTION 5) 5 5 5
2 Dq Fq q qt 2 Dq Fq q qt

EXPLANATORY NOTES

1] The code form is divided into a number of sections as follows:

Sec. No. Indicator figure Contents
0 - Data for identifying type, date and time of observation
and units of the wind speed reported.
1 - Data for international exchange.
2 222 Maritime data pertaining to a coastal station.
3 333 Data for Regional Exchange
5 555 Data for National Exchange.

2] Both the groups of Section 0 and the first two groups of Section 1 are always included in the
telegram. The remaining groups in Section 1 and the groups following the indicator figures
222, 333 and 555 in the other sections are arranged in ascending order of their numerical
indicators. The length of the coded report can be kept to a minimum by dropping out those
groups, the information content of which is considered insignificant or is not available.

3] The group 3Po Po Po Po will be reported instead of 4PPPP when

2
 A. The station’s elevation is between 500 m and 800 m and local conditions prevent reduction
of pressure to M.S.L. with reasonable accuracy.
B. The actual height of the station is uncertain.
C. The station’s elevation is below 500 m but pressure cannot be reduced to M.S.L. for any
reason. At present all stations in India with elevation between 500 and 800 m will report
4PPPP only.

4] Stations whose elevation is less than 800 m will report the group 4PPPP. Stations whose
elevation is 800 m or more will report this group in the form 4a3hhh, giving the geopotential
height of standard isobaric levels.

5] The group 7wwW1W2 will be omitted if both present weather and past weather are insignificant.
The code figure 00, 01, 02 and 03 for ww and code figure 0, 1 and 2 for W1W2 are considered
insignificant.

6] The group 8NhCLCMCH will be omitted when there are no clouds (i. e. N = 0) or when the sky is
obscured or cloud amount cannot be estimated (i. e. N = 9).

7] Section 2 will be reported by coastal stations only.

A. The group 222// will be included only when one or more of the other groups in this section
are included.
B. Coastal stations equipped with instruments for measuring accurately the period and
height of waves i.e. instruments for recording waves and for harmonic analysis of the
records, will report one or more groups of the form 1PwaPwaHwaHwa, each group denoting
separate system of waves distinguished by a significant difference of period.
C. The group 2PwPwHwHw is to be used to report wind waves, when instrumental wave data
are not available.
D. When no waves are observed owing to a calm sea, PwaPwa and HwaHwa or PwPw and HwHw
shall be reported as 00.
E. When the estimation of the period is impossible owing to confused sea, PwPw shall be
reported as 99. When for the same reason, the height of the waves cannot be determined,
HwHw shall be encoded as //.
F. When the period was not measured (or observed) for any other reason PwPw (or PwaPwa)
shall be reported as //. When the same situation occurs for the height of the waves HwHw
(or HwaHwa ) shall be reported as //. However, if both the period and height of the waves
are not available for any reason, the groups 1 PwaPwa HwaHwa and 2PwPwHwHw will be
omitted.
G. If there is a swell and no wind waves, the group will be 2PwPwHwHw omitted.
H. When swell can be distinguished from wind waves, the groups with indicator figures 3, 4
and 5 are to be used as appropriate for reporting swell data. If only one system of swell is
observed its direction, period and height will be indicated by dw1dw1, Pw1Pw1 and Hw1Hw1
respectively. dw2dw2 in the group 3 dw1dw1 dw2dw2 will be encoded as // and the group
5Pw2Pw2Hw2Hw2 will be omitted. If a second system of swell is observed, its direction,
period and height will be indicated dw2dw2 , Pw2Pw2 and Hw2Hw2 respectively.

8. a. The group 1snTxTxTx is used to report the maximum day time temperature since 03 GMT and is
included in 12 GMT observations.
b. The group 2snTnTnTn is used to report the minimum night time temperature since 12 GMT and
is reported in 03 GMT observations.

3
9. The group 56DLDMDH will be omitted if there is no low, medium or high cloud or if DLDM and DH
are reportable by ‘9’ only.

10. a. The group 57CDaec will be used to report direction and elevation of orographic clouds or clouds
with vertical development. These are (i) cumulus (C=8) of moderate or strong vertical extent
(CL = 2); (ii) cumulonimbus (C = 9 and CL = 3 or 9); and (iii) altocumulus (C=3 and CM = 4,
corresponding to Plate 28 and the lower picture in page 47 for CM = 4 in International Cloud
Atlas – Abridged Atlas. If more than one of the above clouds are present, the group will be
used to report the direction and elevation of that cloud for which C has the highest code figure.
b. The group 57CDaec will be omitted when clouds mentioned in (i) to (ii) above, are absent.

11. a. The group 58P24P24P24 will be used to report no change or rise of station level pressure (in
tenth of a millibar) in the last 24 hours.
b. The group 59P24P24P24 will be used to report fall of station level pressure (in tenth of a millibar)
in the last 24 hours.

12. The group 6RRRtR will be used in the form 6RRR/ as RRR is always the amount of
precipitation since 0300 GMT. This group will be omitted (i) if precipitation since 03 GMT is nil
which will be indicated by iR = 3 in the group iRixhVV and (ii) when precipitation data are not
available which will be indicated by iR = 4.

13. a. The group 8NsChshs will be reported only by Pilot Balloon and other observatories where
arrangements for measuring cloud heights are available (although it is not necessary that every
time cloud height is to be obtained from actual measurements). Other observatories will omit
this group.
b. This group may be repeated to report a number of layers or masses of cloud. The normal
number of groups does not exceed three; it may, however, be four in cases when
Cumulonimbus clouds are observed.

The selection of layers (masses) to be reported is made in accordance with the following criteria.

i. The lowest individual layer (mass) of any amount (Ns equals 1 or more)
ii. The next higher individual layer (mass) of amount (Ns equals 3 or more)
iii. The next higher individual layer (mass) of amount (Ns equals 5 or more)
iv. Cumulonimbus clouds, whenever, observed and not reported under (i), (ii) and (iii) above, by
means of group referring exclusively to Cb.

NOTE 1 - The order of reporting of the groups is always from lower to higher levels.

NOTE 2 - In determining the cloud amounts to be reported for individual layers or masses in
the 8 groups, the observer will estimate, by taking into consideration the evolution
of the sky, the cloud amounts of each layer or mass at the different levels, as if no
other clouds existed. For instance, when the sky has remained covered for
sometime with 6-okta Nimbostratus cloud and there is a subsequent development
of some Fractostratus or Fractocumulus clouds obscuring a portion of the
Nimbostratus cloud, the observer may still report 6-okta of Nimbostratus cloud if
the sky characteristics suggest that there has not been any decrease in the
amount of Nimbostratus cloud.

c. When the sky is clear (Ns = 0) the 8-group should be omitted.

4
 d. When Ns = 9 i.e., when the sky is obscured or cloud amount cannot be estimated, the 8-group
will be omitted.
e. If two or more types of clouds occur with their bases at the same level and this level is one to
be reported in accordance with (b) above, the selection for C will be made in accordance with
the following criteria.

i. If these types do not include cumulonimbus the cloud representing the greatest amount
shall be reported by C.
ii. If these types include cumulonimbus, one group shall be used to describe only this type,
and another group shall be used to describe the remaining type(s); If the amount of the
remaining type(s) of cloud is less than that required by (i) to (iv) above, only one group
shall be reported with C coded 9.
iii. If there are two or more than two types of clouds all having the same amount and the
procedures under (ii) are not applied, the highest applicable code figure for C shall be
reported.
iv. Ns shall refer to the total amount of clouds to which reference is made in each individual
cloud group.

14 The groups 9SpSpspsp – the special phenomenon group – is to be reported only by

observatories manned by whole time observers of the India Meteorological Department. This
supplementary dropout group is included in weather messages, only when occasion arises. It
is used to report special phenomena or to amplify details of present and past weather. This
group may be repeated as many times as necessary, according to circumstances. (See
Supplement to Weather Code 1955).

15. The group OR24R24R24R24 will be reported in 03 GMT observations only. It will be omitted if iR
= 3 or 4 i.e. if precipitation in the last 24 (twentyfour) hours is zero or not available.

16. The group 1RTRTRTRT will be reported in 03 GMT observations only. It will be reported on all
days. The progressive total of the rainfall in full mms season-wise i.e. from 1st January to last
day of February, 1st March to 31st May, 1st June to 30th September or 1st October to 31st
December will be reported.

17. The group 2DqFqqqt will be reported only when there is a squall; otherwise this group will be
omitted. Observatories manned by whole time observers of the India Meteorological
Department will not report this group but will use 9SpSpspsp group for the reporting of a squall.

5
II. MEANINGS OF THE SYMBOLS

a3 Indicator giving the standard “Constant pressure level” of which the geopotential is
reported (See Code 1)

C Type of cloud (Code 2)

CH Form of High Clouds (Code 3)

CL Form of Low Clouds (Code 4)

CM Form of Medium Clouds (Code 5)

Da Direction in which orographic clouds or clouds with vertical development are seen
(Code 6)

DH Direction from which High Cloud is moving towards station (Code 6)

DL Direction from which Low Cloud is moving towards station (Code 6)

DM Direction from which Medium Cloud is moving towards station (Code 6)

Dq Direction of wind during squall (Code 7)

dd True direction from which the surface wind blows. (Code 8)

dw1d w1
True direction from which swells come (Code 9)
d w2d w2

eC Elevation angle of the top of the cloud indicated by C (Code 10)

Fq Maximum force of wind on the Beaufort Scale during the squall (Code 11)

ff Wind speed in knots (Code 12)

GG Actual time of observation to the nearest whole hour GMT i.e. the actual time at which
the barometer is to be read.

HwHw Height of wind wave in units of 0.5 meter (Code 13)

HwaHwa Height of wave when observed by instruments in units of 0.5 meter (Code 13)

Hw1Hw1 Height of swell of system 1 in units of 0.5 meter (Code 13)

Hw2Hw2 Height of swell of system 2 in units of 0.5 meter (Code 13)

h Height above ground of the base of the lowest cloud seen (Code 14)

6
hhh Geopotential of the “standard constant pressure level given by a3, in standard
geopotential meters (Code 15)

hshs Height above station of base of cloud layer or mass whose type is indicated by C
(Code 16)

iR Indicator for inclusion or omission of precipitation data (Code 17)

iw Wind indicator (Code 18)

ix Indicator for type of station operation (manned or automatic) and for present and past
weather data (Code 19)

MiMi Identification letters of the Report.

MjMj Identification letters of the part of the Report. A SYNOP report or a bulletin of SYNOP
reports from land stations is identified by MiMiMjMj = AAXX.

N The fraction of the sky covered by clouds of all types (Code 20)

Nh The fraction of the sky covered by low cloud reported for CL. In case where no CL
clouds exists Nh shall refer to the amount of cloud reported for CM. (Code 20)

Ns Amount of individual cloud layer or mass of type C (Code 20)

PwPw Period of wind wave in seconds. The period of the wave is the time between the
passages of two successive wave crests past a fixed point. The average value of the
wave period will be reported as obtained from the larger well-formed waves. A
confused sea shall be indicated by coding 99 for PwPw

PwaPwa Period of wave in seconds observed by instrument.

Pw1Pw1 Period of swell of system 1 in seconds.

Pw2Pw2 Period of swell of system 2 in seconds.

P24P24P24 Change of station level pressure in last 24 hours in tents of a millibar.

PPPP Pressure at mean sea level in tenths of a millibar, omitting thousands digit.

PoPoPoPo Pressure at station level in tenths of a millibar, omitting thousands digit.

q Nature of squall (Code 21)

qt Time of occurrence of squall (Code 22)

RRR Amount of precipitation since 0300 GMT (Code 23)

R24R24R24R24 Amount of precipitation since 0300 GMT in tenths of millimeter.

7
RTRTRTRT Progressive seasonal total of precipitation in full millimeters.

sn Sign of temperature to be reported as zero (0) for positive temperatures or 0oC and
one (1) for negative temperatures.

SpSpspsp Special Phenomena (See “Supplement to Weather Code 1955”)

TTT Air temperature in tenths of a degree Celsius. (Code 24)

TdTdTd Dew point temperature in tenths of a degree Celsius. (Code 24)

TnTnTn Minimum night time temperature in tenths of a degree Celsius. (Code 24)

TxTxTx Maximum day time temperature in tenths of a degree Celsius. (Code 24)

tR Duration of period of precipitation in units of 6 hours and ending at the time of the
observation. In India tR will always be reported as “/” as RRR is always the amount of
precipitation since 0300 GMT.

VV Horizontal visibility or distance at which objects can be seen in day light (or at which
lights can be seen at night) (Code 25)

W1
Past weather (Code 26)
W2

ww Present weather (Code 27)

YY Day of the month on which the actual time (GMT) of the observation falls.
i. 01 means 1st day of the month.
02 means 2nd day of the month … etc.
ii. The day is defined with reference to Greenwich Mean Time and not to local time.

8
III. SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CODES

CODE 1

a3 Indicator giving the standard “constant pressure level” of which the geopotential
is reported.

Code figure Code figure

0 Not used 5 500 mb
1 1000 mb 6 Not used
2 7 700 mb
3 Not used 8 850 mb
4 9 Not used

CODE 2
C – Type of cloud
Code Figure Form of cloud
0 .. .. Cirrus
1 .. .. Cirrocumulus
2 .. .. Cirrostratus
3 .. .. Altocumulus
4 .. .. Altostratus
5 .. .. Nimbostratus
6 .. .. Stratocumulus
7 .. .. Stratus
8 .. .. Cumulus
9 .. .. Cumulonimbus
/ .. .. Cloud not visible owing to darkness,
fog, dust-storm, sandstorm or other
analogous phenomena.
NOTES
1. Persistent condensation trails and cloud masses which have obviously developed from
condensation trails, shall be reported as C clouds, using the appropriate code figure when they
resemble such clouds.

2. Rapidly dissipating condensation trails shall not be reported.

9
 CODE – 3

CH - Form of High Clouds

Code Description International

figure Cloud Atlas,
Abridged Atlas
Plate Numbers
0 No Cirrus, Cirrocumulus or Cirrostratus …
1 Cirrus in the form of filaments, strands or hooks not
progressively invading the sky. (Often called “Mares tails”) 42,43

2 Dense Cirrus, in patches or entangled sheaves, which

usually do not increase and some-times seem to be the
remains of the upper part of a Cumulonimbus; or Cirrus with
sproutings in the form of small towers or battlements, or 44, 45
having the appearance of Cumuliform tufts.
3 Dense Cirrus, often in the form of an anvil; either the
remains of the upper parts of Cumulonimbus, or parts of 46, 47
distant Cumulonimbus, the Cumuliform portions of which
cannot be seen.
4 Cirrus in the form of hooks or of filaments, or both,
progressively invading the sky; they generally become 48, 49, 50
denser as a whole
5 Cirrus, often in bands converging towards one point or two
points of the horizon, and Cirrostratus, or Cirrostratus alone;
in either case, they are progressively invading the sky, and
generally growing denser as a whole, but the continuous 51
veil does not reach 45 degrees above the horizon.
6 Cirrus, often in bands converging towards one point or two
points of the horizon, and Cirrostratus, or Cirrostratus alone;
in either case, they are progressively invading the sky, and
generally growing denser as a whole, the continuous veil
extends morethan 45 degrees above the horizon, without 52
the sky being totally covered
7 Veil of Cirrostratus completely covering the sky 53
8 Cirrostratus not progressively invading the sky and not 54, 55
completely covering the sky.
9 Cirrocumulus alone, or Cirrocumulus accompanied by 56, 57
Cirrus or Cirrostratus, or both, but Cirrocumulus is the
predominant cirriform cloud.
/ Cirrus, Cirrocumulus and Cirrostratus are invisible owing to
darkness, fog, blowing dust or sand or other similar
phenomena, or more often, because of the presence of a
continuous layer of lower clouds

10
 NOTES
1. Select the code figure, which describes the state of the sky best irrespective of the actual
amounts of individual kinds of clouds present.

2. When the sky is discernible through fog, cloud will be reported as if no fog were present.
3. Persistent condensation trails and cloud masses, which have obviously developed from
condensation trails, shall be reported as CH clouds, when they resemble such clouds.
4. Rapidly dissipating condensation trails shall not be reported.

CODE – 4
CL- Form of Low Clouds
Code Description International
figure Cloud Atlas,
Abridged Atlas
Plate Numbers
0 No Stratocumulus, Stratus, Cumulus or Cumulonimbus …
1 Ragged Cumulus other than of bad weather, or Cumulus with little vertical 1, 2
extent and seemingly flattened, or both.
2 Cumulus of moderate or strong vertical extent generally with
protuberances in the form of domes or towers, either accompanied or not 3, 4, 5
by other Cumulus or by Stratocumulus; All having their bases at the same
level
3 Cumulonimbus, the summits of which, at least partially, lack sharp
outlines, but are neither clearly fibrous (Cirriform) nor in the form of an 6, 7
anvil; Cumulus, Stratocumulus or Stratus may also be present
4 Stratocumulus formed by the spreading out of Cumulus; Cumulus may 8, 9
also be present
5 Stratocumulus not resulting from the spreading out of Cumulus 10, 11
6 Stratus in a more or less continuous sheet or layer or in ragged shreds, or 12, 13
both, but no Stratus Fractus of bad weather.
7 Stratus fractus of bad weather or Cumulus fractus of bad weather
(pannus), or both; usually below Altostratus or Nimbostratus. By “bad 14
weather” is meant the conditions, which generally exist before, during or
after precipitation.
8 Cumulus and Stratocumulus, other than those formed from the spreading
out of Cumulus; the base of Cumulus is at a different level from that of 15, 16
Stratocumulus.
9 Cumulonimbus, the upper part of which is clearly fibrous (Cirriform) often 17, 18
in the form of an anvil; either accompanied or not by Cumulus, Stratus, 19, 20
stratocumulus or pannus.
/ Stratocumulus, Stratus, Cumulus and Cumulonimbus are invisible owing …
to darkness, fog, blowing dust or sand, or other similar phenomena

11
 NOTES
1. Select the code figure, which describes the state of the sky best irrespective of the actual
amounts of individual kinds of clouds present.

2. When the sky is discernible through fog, cloud will be reported as if no fog were present.

CODE – 5
CM- Form of Medium Clouds
Code Description International
figure Cloud Atlas,
Abridged Atlas
Plate Numbers
0 No Altocumulus, Altostratus or Nimbostratus …
1 Altrostratus, the greater part of which is semitransparent;
through this part the sun or moon may be weakly visible, as 21, 22
through ground glass
2 Altostratus, the greater part of which is sufficiently dense to 23, 24, 25
hide the sun (or moon), or Nimbostratus.
3 Altocumulus, the greater part of which is semitransparent,
the various elements of the cloud change only slowly and 26, 27
are all at a single level.
4 Patches (often in the form of almonds or fishes) of
Altocumulus, the greater part of which is semi-transparent; 28, 29
the clouds are at one or more levels and the elements are
continually changing in appearance.
5 Semi-transparent Altocumulus in bands or Altocumulus in
one more or less continuous layer progressively invading
the sky; these Altocumulus clouds generally are growing 30, 31
denser as a whole; the layer may be opaque or may consist
of two or more sheets
6 Altocumulus resulting from the spreading out of Cumulus 32, 33
(or Cumulonimbus)
7. Any one of the following cases :
A. Altocumulus in two or more layers, usually opaque in 34
places and not progressively invading the sky;
B. Opaque layer of Altocumulus, not progressively 35
invading the sky;
C. Altocumulus together with Altostratus or Nimbostratus 36, 37
8 Altocumulus with sprouts in the form of small towers or
battlements, or Altocumulus having the appearance of 38, 39
Cumuliform tufts.
9 Altocumulus of a chaotic sky, generally at several levels 40, 41
/ Altocumulus, Altostratus and Nimbostratus are invisible
owing to darkness, fog, blowing dust or sand, or other …
similar phenomena, or more often because of the presence
of a continuous layer of lower clouds.

12
 NOTES
a. Select the code figure, which describes the state of the sky best irrespective of the
actual amounts of individual kinds of clouds present.
b. When the sky is discernible through fog, cloud will be reported as if no fog were
present.
c. Persistent condensation trails and cloud masses, which have obviously developed from
condensation trails, shall be reported as CM clouds, when they resemble such clouds.
d. Rapidly dissipating condensation trails shall not be reported.

CODE – 6
Da : Direction in which orographic clouds or clouds of vertical development
are seen.
DH, DL, DM : Direction from which cloud is moving towards the station.
Code Code
figure figure
0 Stationary or no clouds 5 SW
1 NE 6 W
2 E 7 NW
3 SE 8 N
4 S 9 No definite direction or
unknown

NOTES

A. If two or more kinds of low clouds are present report the direction under DL of that cloud
which is lowest.
B. When the base and top of a low cloud are moving in different directions, the direction of
movement of the base only should be reported for DL.
C. In case more than one form of medium clouds are present, report the direction of the lower
one.
D. In case more than one form of high clouds are present report the direction of the lower
one.

CODE 7
Dq = Direction of Wind during squall.
Code Code
figure figure
1 NE 5 SW
2 E 6 W
3 SE 7 NW
4 S 8 N

13
 NOTES
The direction of wind reported under Dq refers to the direction of the wind of maximum force reported
under Fq

CODE – 8
dd = True direction from which the surface wind blows
On the Scale (01 – 36) i.e., degrees from geographic north divided by 10 and rounded off to the
nearest whole number, e.g. 265 is reported as 27.

Following table gives the code figures for the 16 points of the compass.
Direction Calm NNE NE ENE E ESE SE SSE S
Code Figure 00 02 05 07 09 11 14 16 18
Direction SSW SW WSW W WNW NW NNW N Variable
Code Figure 20 23 25 27 29 32 34 36 99

NOTES
A. Add 50 to dd if the wind speed exceeds 100 knots.

B. The motion of air is never perfectly uniform but is subject to incessant changes in direction
and velocity. These changes are called turbulence or gustiness of wind. As a result, the
windvane, seldom points in a fixed direction but keeps moving to and fro between certain
limits. The mean direction should be estimated in terms of the sixteen points of the
compass, then coded with the help of the table above and reported.

C. If the windvane is out of order, the estimated wind direction should be reported in the
telegram and the word “windvane” added at the end of the first telegram in Section 5 in
which the wind direction is reported by estimation. If replacement is necessary, brief
remarks about the nature of the defect as given in the examples on page 36 of “Instructions
to Observers” should also be added at the end of the telegram to the administrative center.
After the windvane has been repaired or replaced, the words “windvane repaired (or
replaced)” shall be added at the end of the first telegram in Section 5, which again gives
the wind direction as determined from the windvane.

14
 CODE – 9
dw1d w1
True direction from which swells come
dw2d w2
TABLE A
Directions observed by instruments.

Code figure Direction Code figure Direction

Degrees Degrees
00 Sea Calm 19 185 to 194
(No Waves)
01 5 to 14 20 195 to 204
02 15 to 24 21 205 to 214
03 25 to 34 22 215 to 224
04 35 to 44 23 225 to 234
05 45 to 54 24 235 to 244
06 55 to 64 25 245 to 254
07 65 to 74 26 255 to 264
08 75 to 84 27 265 to 274
09 85 to 94 28 275 to 284
10 95 to 104 29 285 to 294
11 105 to 114 30 295 to 304
12 115 to 124 31 305 to 314
13 125 to 134 32 315 to 324
14 135 to 144 33 325 to 334
15 145 to 154 34 335 to 344
16 155 to 164 35 345 to 354
17 165 to 174 36 355 to 364
18 175 to 184 99 Waves confused
direction indeterminate

TABLE B
Directions Estimated

Code figure Compass points Code figure Compass points

00 Sea Calm 20 SSW
(No Waves)
02 NNE 23 SW
05 NE 25 WSW
07 ENE 27 W
09 E 29 WNW
11 ESE 32 NW
14 SE 34 NNW
16 SSE 36 N
18 S 99 Waves confused
Direction indeterminate

15
 NOTES

The observations made with the help of instruments are to be reported according to the full scale
(Table A) and estimations according to the contracted scale (Table B)

CODE – 10
eC - Elevation angle of the top of the cloud indicated by C
Code figure Angle of elevation Code figure Angle of elevation
0 Tops of clouds not visible. 5 About 12o
1 45o or more 6 About 9o
2 About 30o 7 About 7o
3 About 20 o 8 About 6 o
4 About 15 o 9 Less than 5 o

NOTES
Vertical angles may also be estimated by a rough and ready method. A simple way is to hold a
foot-rule * ( or any straight stick one foot * long) with one end close to the eye and its length
stretching out in front horizontally; If a span or forefinger of the other hand be then made to
project upward from the other end of the rule to serve as a mark and the eye is directed
towards the upper end of the span or finger, the line of sight will make a definite angle with the
horizon.

Mark above horizontal at Foot’s* length Angle of elevation

Top of span formed by thumb and finger 30 o
Top of full length of forefinger 15 o
Top of half length of forefinger 9o
Breadth of two fingers 6o
* or 30 cm

CODE – 11
Fq - Maximum force of wind on the Beaufort Scale during the squall
Code figure Wind Force Code figure Wind Force
(On Beaufort Scale)* (On Beaufort Scale)*
6 6 0 10
7 7 1 11
8 8 2 12
9 9 *(See Table in Code 12

16
 NOTES
A. Fq refers to the maximum wind force during the whole period during which the squall lasts.
B. The observatories which are not provided with anemographs should report by estimation
from the effect of the squall on the surrounding objects as described in the third and fourth
columns in the Tables in Code 12.

CODE – 12

ff − Surface wind velocity

1. Surface wind velocity is to be reported in knots. From the anemometer reading the speed is
obtained in kilometers per hour; the speed thus obtained is converted into knots by using the
relation 1 kilometer per hour = 0.54 knots i.e. multiplying the speed in km. p.h. by the factor 0.54.
2. If ff is 100 knots or more, 50 is added to dd and the number of knots in excess of 100 is indicated
for ff.
3. When the wind speed cannot be measured by an anemometer, it should be estimated. In making
the estimate, the observer should be guided by the instructions in regard to the Beaufort scale
given in the table below. He should use the mean speed of wind given under column 5 of the table
unless he is satisfied from his observation, that the Beaufort force is above or below average in
which case he should use a number higher or lower than that given in the column 5, but within the
limits specified. For example, if the observer thinks the Beaufort force is 6 but above the average,
he would not give a speed of 24 knots, but a speed of 26 knots, and if he thought it was well below
the average, about midway between 5 and 6, he would give a speed of 22 knots.
4. If the anemometer is out of order, estimate the wind force in accordance with instructions in para 3
above and report the estimated wind speed in knots in the telegram and add the word
“anemometer” at the end of the first telegram in section 5 in which the wind force is by estimation.
If replacement is necessary, brief remarks about the nature of defect as given in examples on page
36 of “Instructions to observer” should also be added at the end of the first telegram to the
administrative centre. After the anemometer has been repaired (or replaced) the words
“anemometer repaired (or replaced)” should be added at the end of the first telegram in section5 in
which the wind force is reported from the readings of the anemometer.

Table of specifications for estimating Wind speed over Land or Sea

Beau- Descri- Specification Speed of wind
fort ptive term at 10 m.
No. above ground.
Land Sea Knots Kms.
Per hr.
1 2 3 4 5 6
0 Calm Calm; smoke rises vertically Sea like a mirror Less than Less than
10 10
1 Light air Smoke bends from the vertical Ripples with the appearance of scales 1–3 1–5
and drifts slowly with the winds; are formed, but without foam crests
windvane not affected 2 3
2 Light Wind felt on face; leaves rustle, Small wavelets, still short, but more 4–6 6 – 11
breeze ordinary vanes moved by wind. pronounced; crests have a glassy
appearance and do not break 5 9

17
3 Gentle Leaves and small twigs in Large wavelets (Crests begin to break); 7 – 10 12 –19
breeze constant motion; wind extends foam of glassy appearance; perhaps
light flag. scattered white horses 9 16
4 Mode- Raises dust and loose paper; Small waves becoming longer; fairly 11 – 16 20 – 28
rate small branches moved frequent white horses
breeze 13 24
5 Fresh Small trees begin to sway; crested Moderate waves taking a more 17 – 21 29 – 38
breeze wavelets form on inland waters. pronounced long form; many white
horses are formed (chances of some 18 34
spray)
6 Strong Large branches in motion; Large waves begin to form; the white 22 – 27 39 – 49
breeze whistling heard in telegraph wires; foam crests are more extensive
umbrellas used with difficulty everywhere(probably some spray) 24 44
7 Near gale Whole trees in motion; Sea heaps up and white foam from 28 – 33 50 – 61
inconvenience felt when walking breaking waves begins to be blown in
against the wind streaks along the direction of the wind
(spindrift begins to be seen); 30 55
8 Gale Breaks twigs off trees; generally Moderately high waves of greater 34 – 40 62 – 74
impedes progress due to difficulty length; edges of crests break into the
experienced in walking against spindrift; the foam is blown in well-
wind. marked streaks along the direction of 37 68
the wind
9 Strong Slight structural damage occurs High waves; dense streaks of foam 41 – 47 75 – 88
Gale (Chimney pots and slates on along the direction of the wind; crests of
roofs removed) wave begin to topple, tumble and roll 44 82
over; spray may affect visibility
10 Storm Trees uprooted and considerable Very high waves with long overhanging 48 – 55 89 – 102
structural damage occurs, for crests. The resulting foam, in great
instance, kutcha houses blown patches, is blown in dense white streaks
down (Seldom experienced along the direction of the wind. On the
inland) whole, the surface of the sea takes a
white appearance. The tumbling of the 53 96
sea becomes heavy and shock-like.
Visibility is affected
11 Violent Widespread damage (very rarely Exceptionally high waves (small and 56 – 63 103 – 117
storm experienced) medium sized ships might for a time be
lost behind the waves) The sea is
completely covered with long white
patches of foam lying along the direction
of wind. Every-where the edges of the 60 110
wave crests are blown into froth.
Visibility affected.
12 Hurricane … The air is filled with foam and spray. 64 and 118 and
Sea completely white with driving spray. over over
Visibility very seriously affected

NOTES
Figures underlined in the columns for speed of winds indicate mean velocity of wind.

18
 CODE - 13
HwHw HwaHwa )
) - Height of waves
Hw1Hw1 Hw2Hw2 )

Code Figure Height of Waves

00 No waves
01 0.5 metre
02 1.0 metre
and so on
// Not observed for any reason
NOTES
The average value of the wave height (i.e. the vertical distance between trough and crest) shall be
reported as obtained from the larger well-formed waves.

CODE 14
h - Height above ground of the base of the lowest cloud (excluding CH)

Code Height of base of Code Height of base of cloud above station

Figure cloud above station figure
0 0 – 49 m 7 1500 – 1999 m
1 50 – 99 m 8 2000 – 2500 m
2 100 – 199 m 9 No cloud below 2500 m
3 200 – 299 m / Base of cloud at a level lower and tops at a
4 300 – 599 m level higher than that of the station (Only for
5 600 – 999 m mountain stations). Base of cloud not known at
6 1000 – 1499 m any station due to darkness etc.

NOTES

A. If there is only one layer of low cloud (CL) ‘h’ will refer to this layer of low cloud (CL). If
there are two or more layers of low clouds at different levels, ‘h’ will then refer to the
lowest layer of low cloud; (e.g.), if there are 2/8ths Cu at 750 m and 3/8ths Sc at 1800 m,
‘h’ will be reported as 5 corresponding to the height 750 m.
B. If there is no cloud of form CL, and there is cloud of form CM, then ‘h’ will refer to the
lowest layer of cloud CM.
C. If the cloud of form CL is only in fragments, i.e., of amount less than 1/8th (usually
fractocumulus or fractostratus), below a more extensive cloud like Nimbostratus or
Altostratus clouds, then ‘h’ will refer to this more extensive cloud layer.

19
 D. If there are only fragments of clouds of form CL, and no other clouds of CL or CM are
present, the height of these fragments will be given by ‘h’ even when clouds of form CH
are present.
E. When the station is in a fog, a sandstorm or duststorm, or in blowing snow, but the sky is
discernible through it, h shall refer to the base of lowest cloud observed, if any. When
under the above conditions, the sky is not discernible, ‘h’ shall be reported as /.
F. A skilled observer may, to a certain degree, be able to estimate the height of the clouds
from their appearance. In a hilly or mountainous country, the height of the clouds may be
estimated from their position relative to prominent landmarks of known height.

CODE – 15

hhh Geopotential of the “standard constant pressure level” given by a3, in standard
geopotential meters
High−level stations shall report the geopotential height of an agreed standard
pressure level in geopotential meters depending on the station’s elevation, as
follows :

Pressure level (mb) whose

height is reported Station elevation (m)
850 800 - 2300
700 2300 - 3700
500 Higher than 3700
hhh - will be reported in full geopotential meters omitting thousands figure.

CODE – 16

hshs Height above station of base of cloud layer or mass whose type is indicated by C
(a) Extended Table
Code Meters Code Meters Code Meters Code Meters
figure figure figure figure
00 Lower 22 660 45 1,350 68 5,400
than 30 23 690 46 1380 69 5,700
01 30 24 720 47 1,410 70 6,000
02 60 25 750 48 1,440 71 6,300
03 90 26 780 49 1470 72 6,600
04 120 27 810 50 1500 73 6,900
05 150 28 840 51) Not 74 7,200
06 180 29 870 52) used 75 7,500
07 210 30 900 53) 76 7,800

20
08 240 31 930 54) 77 8,100
09 270 32 960 55) 78 8,400
10 300 33 990 56 1,800 79 8,700
11 330 34 1,020 57 2,100 80 9,000
12 360 35 1,050 58 2,400 81 10,500
13 390 36 1,080 59 2,700 82 12,000
14 420 37 1,110 60 3,000 83 13,500
15 450 38 1,140 61 3,300 84 15,000
16 480 39 1,170 62 3,600 85 16,500
17 510 40 1,200 63 3,900 86 18,000
18 540 41 1,230 64 4,200 87 19,500
19 570 42 1,260 65 4,500 88 21,000
20 600 43 1,290 66 4,800 89 Greater
21 630 44 1,320 67 5,100 than
21,000

NOTES
A. If the observed height of cloud base is between two of the reportable heights as
given in the table, the code figure for the lower reportable height will be reported.
B. I. For code figures 0 to 50, the code is direct reading in units of
30m.
II. The code figures 51 to 55 are not used.
III. For code figures 56 to 80, 50 should be subtracted and the reminder is direct
reading in units of 300 m.
IV For code figures 81 to 89, the code reads in increments of
1,500 m. from the values given for Code fig. 80.

(b) Abridged Table

Code figure Meters Code figure Meters
90 0 – 49 95 600 – 999
91 50 – 99 96 1,000 – 1,499
92 100−199 97 1,500 − 1,999
93 200 − 299 98 2,000 − 2,499
94 300 − 599 99 2,500 or more or no clouds

21
 CODE – 17
iR - Indicator for inclusion or omission of precipitation data

Code figure Group 6RRRtR is Code figure Group 6RRRtR is

1 Included in 3 Omitted in Sec. 1 and 3
Section 1 (Precipitation amount = 0)
2 Included in 4 Omitted in Sec. 1 and 3
Section 3 (Precipitation amount not
available)

CODE – 18
iw − Wind indicator

Code
Figure
0 Wind speed estimated
1 Wind speed obtained from Wind speed in meters per second
anemometer
3 Wind speed estimated
4 Wind speed obtained Wind speed in knots
from anemometer

CODE – 19
ix - Indicator for type of station operation and for present and past weather data

Code figure Type of station operation Group 7wwW1W2 is

1 Manned Included.
2. Manned Omitted (no significant
phenomenon to report)
3 Manned Omitted (not observed data
not available)
4 Automatic Included
5 Automatic Omitted (no significant
phenomenon to report)
6 Automatic Omitted (not observed data
not available)

22
 CODE – 20

N, Nh, Ns - Cloud amount

Code Cloud amount
Figure
0 0
1 1 Okta (i.e.) 1/8th of sky covered or less, but not
zero.
2 2 Oktas (or 2/8ths of sky covered)
3 3 Oktas (or 3/8ths of sky covered)
4 4 Oktas (or 4/8ths of sky covered)
5 5 Oktas (or 5/8ths of sky covered)
6 6 Oktas (or 6/8ths of sky covered)
7 7 Oktas (or 7/8ths of sky covered)
or more but not 8 Oktas
8 8 Oktas (or completely covered)
9 Sky obscured or cloud amount can not be estimated.

NOTES
A. Code figure 8 will be used only when the sky is completely covered by a cloud, no trace of
clear sky being visible.
Overcast but with openings would be included under Code figure 7, which should be used
for amounts approaching but not actually 8/8ths.
B. If the station is enveloped in fog, dust-haze, mist or similar phenomenon which, however,
allows blue sky, sun, moon or stars to appear through and no trace of cloud is observed
above the fog or mist, etc. the amount of cloud should be reported as 0. If the clouds are
observed through fog or mist, etc., the amount of cloud should be estimated as nearly as
possible and the observation of the cloud should be reported as if no fog, dust-haze, or
mist etc. were present.
C. If there is fog, dust-haze, dust-storm or similar phenomenon and the sky is invisible
through it, N, Nh, and Ns will be reported as 9.
D. When estimating N, Nh, or Ns, less account should be taken of the portions near the
horizon. Observers are inclined to over-estimate the parts of the sky near the horizon
compared to part overhead.
E. In determining cloud amounts for individual layers or masses in the 8 group, the observer
will estimate, by taking into consideration the evolution of the sky, the cloud amounts of
each layer or mass at the different levels, as if no other clouds were existing. See para 13
under Explanatory Notes.
F. N, which gives the fraction of sky, covered by all clouds, is to be reported as actually seen
by the observer during the observation.
G. For determining the amount of cloud Nh the following instructions should be noted:
i] In cases when CL indicates clouds at various levels, the fraction of the sky covered by
the cloud reported for CL should be reported for Nh.
ii] If there is no cloud of form CL then Nh will refer to the amount of CM clouds regardless
of the height of cloud CM .

23
 iii] If the cloud of form CL is only in fragments i.e., of amount less than 1/8th (Usually
fractocumulus or fractostratus) below a more extensive cloud like Nimbostratus or
Altostratus clouds, then Nh will refer to the Nimbostratus or Altostratus.
iv] If there are only fragments of clouds of form CL and no other clouds of form CL or CM
are present, the amount of these fragments will be reported under Nh, even when
clouds of form CH are present.
H. A mackerel sky (Altocumulus or Stratocumulus Translucidus) shall be reported using code
fig. 7 or less since breaks are always present in this cloud form even if it extends over the
whole sky.
I. Persistent condensation trails and cloud masses which have obviously developed from
condensation trails, shall be reported as cloud using the appropriate CL, CM or CH code
figure.
J. Rapidly dissipating condensation trails shall not be reported.

CODE – 21

q - Nature of squall
Code Nature of squall
figure
1 Calm followed by Squall.
2 Light wind followed by squall.
3 Calm followed by a succession of squalls.
4 Light wind followed by a succession of squalls.
5 Gusty weather followed by squall.
6 Gusty weather followed by a succession of squalls.
7 Squall followed by gusty weather.
8 General gusty weather with squalls at intervals.
9 Line squall.

NOTES
A. Squalls occurring at the station are to be reported as follows :
a. If a squall occurs in the period 0300 to 1200 GMT it should be reported in the 1200
GMT telegram; and a squall in the period 1200 to 0300 GMT is to be reported in 0300
GMT telegram.
b. In the 0600, 1800, 2100 and 0000 GMT or special observations the squall that has
occurred since the last routine observation should be reported; i.e., the squall occurring
since 0300 GMT will be reported in the 0600 observation, the squall since 1200 GMT
in 1800 GMT and that since 1800 or 2100 GMT in 0000 GMT according as 1800 or
2100 GMT is the last routine observation.

B. If there have been more than one squalls prior to the time of observation, the strongest
one should be reported e.g. in the case of 0300 GMT observation, the strongest squall
since 1200 GMT will be reported; and in the 1200 GMT observation, the strongest squall
since 0300 GMT will be reported.

24
C. A squall is defined as follows :
“A sudden increase of wind speed by atleast 3 stages on the Beaufort Scale, the speed
rising to force 6 or more, and lasting for atleast one minute is called a squall.”
Example: If the wind speed has been, say, about 10 knots (Force 3), and it suddenly
increases to 25 knots (Force 6) and remains at force 6 for atleast one minute, the sudden
increase of the wind should be taken as a “squall”. On the other hand, if wind speed
increases from, say 15 knots (force 4) to, say, 25 knots (force 6) and lasts at that strength
for a minute, this increase of wind will not be reportable as a squall, because although the
wind speed has increased to force 6, the increase in speed has not been by 3 stages on
the Beaufort Scale. Hence in this case a squall report is not to be made. Again, suppose
the wind has been light, say, 2 knots (force 1) and it suddenly increase to, say, 15 knots
(force 4) and remains at force 4 for a minute or more; in this instance although the sudden
increase in wind speed is by 3 stages on the Beaufort scale, it will not be reported as a
squall, since the maximum force did not reach force 6.

It should, therefore, be clearly understood that the three essential characteristics of a

sudden increase of wind in order to constitute a “squall” are:

D. The wind speed should suddenly increase by three or more stages on the Beaufort Scale;

E. The increase should last at least one minute; and

F. The actual increased wind speed should go upto at least force 6.

Cases, which do not satisfy all these three criteria at the same time, should not be reported
as squalls.

G. Isolated definite squalls must not be confused with the phenomenon of turbulence
designated as “Unusual gustiness”. “Squalls occur once or at most twice in an hour. In
most cases they occur either with Cb clouds or are caused by incursions of cold air (line
squalls, etc.) They manifest themselves as isolated and rather prominent sudden changes,
simultaneously, in wind, pressure, temperature and humidity. Such conspicuous squalls
are to be reported under this code.

H. The squall group should also be added when squalls occur at a station in connection with
squally weather associated with tropical depressions or cyclonic storms as distinct from
isolated squalls mentioned under Note 4 above. This tropical squally weather is
characterized by a succession of squalls which, at first, may be light and separated by fairly
long intervals of comparatively fine weather and light variable or steady winds; with the
advance of time these squalls become more frequent and stronger and the intervening fair
weather periods may disappear. In the latter stages those squalls may be accompanied by
bad weather and heavy rain. A distinguishing feature of these types of squalls is that the
wind direction remains fairly steady during the squalls and varies gradually (not abruptly) in
the succeeding spell of squalls.

25
 CODE – 22

qt - Time of occurrence of squall

Code Code figure

figure
0 Nothing to report 5 4 to 5 hours ago
1 Less than 1 hour ago 6 5 to 6 hours ago
2 1 to 2 hours ago 7 6 to 8 hours ago
3 2 to 3 hours ago 8 8 to 10 hours ago
4 3 to 4 hours ago 9 More than 10 hrs. ago

CODE – 23

RRR - Amount of precipitation since 0300 GMT

Code figure mm Code figure mm
990 Trace 063 62.5 to 63.5
991 0.1 064 63.6 to 64.4
992 0.2 065 64.5 to 65.5
993 0.3 … ….
994 0.4 … ….
995 0.5 127 126.5 to 127.5
996 0.6 128 127.6 to 128.4
997 0.7 129 128.5 to 129.5
998 0.8 … ….
999 0.9 … ….
… … 344 343.6 to 344.4
… … 345 344.5 to 345.5
000 Not used 346 345.6 to 346.4
001 1.0 to 1.5 … ….
002 1.6 to 2.4 … ….
003 2.5 to 3.5 … ….
004 3.6 to 4.4 … ….
… …. 987 986.5 to 987.5
… …. 988 987.6 to 988.4
062 61.6 to 62.4 989 988.5 or more

NOTES
a. RRR will always refer to the amount of rainfall (or snowfall) recorded since the last morning
0300 hours GMT observation.
b. Whenever a heavy rainfall report is sent, the fact should be communicated by the addition
of the word “Informed” at the end of the telegram in Section 5 according to the instructions
in force.

26
 CODE – 24
TTT Air temperature
TdTdTd Dew point temperature in tenths of a degree Celsius
TnTnTn Minimum night time temperature after applying index correction
TxTxTx Maximum day time temperature

NOTES
A. On the rare occasions when the dew point temperature is abnormally low and cannot be
found out with the help of the hygrometric tables supplied, the group 2snTdTdTd will be
omitted. The words “dew point less than minus ….” (the lowest TdTdTd available in the
table) will be added at the end of the telegram in Section 5.
B. TnTnTn will always refer to night minimum temperature. Even when the minimum
temperature read in the morning is higher than the minimum temperature read in the
previous evening, the minimum temperature read in the morning only will be reported for
TnTnTn. However, the lower minimum read in the previous evening will be given in Section
5 at the end of the telegram by adding the words “lower minimum …..” For e.g. “lower
minimum 138” when the lower minimum is 13.8o C.
C. When the maximum temperature read in the morning is higher than the maximum
temperature reported in the previous evening, the word “higher maximum …..” will be
added in the Section 5 at the end of the telegram for 03 GMT. E.g. “higher maximum 367”
when the higher maximum is 36.7 oC.

CODE – 25

VV - Horizontal visibility
I – Stations provided with visibility meters will report in detailed Code 00 to 89 of the
following table.

Extended Visibility Table.

Code Kms. Code Kms. Code Kms. Code Kms.
figure figure figure figure
00 Less 25 2.5 50 5.9 75 25
than 0.1
01 0.1 26 2.6 51 76 26
02 0.2 27 2.7 52 77 27
03 0.3 28 2.8 53 not 78 28
04 0.4 29 2.9 54 used 79 29
05 0.5 30 3.0 55 80 30
06 0.6 31 3.1 56 6 81 35
07 0.7 32 3.2 57 7 82 40
08 0.8 33 3.3 58 8 83 45
09 0.9 34 3.4 59 9 84 50
10 1.0 35 3.5 60 10 85 55

27
 11 1.1 36 3.6 61 11 86 60
12 1.2 37 3.7 62 12 87 65
13 1.3 38 3.8 63 13 88 70
14 1.4 39 3.9 64 14 89 Greater than 70
15 1.5 40 4.0 65 15 90 Less than 50 m
16 1.6 41 4.1 66 16 91 50 m
17 1.7 42 4.2 67 17 92 200 m
18 1.8 43 4.3 68 18 93 500 m
19 1.9 44 4.4 69 19 94 1000 m
20 2.0 45 4.5 70 20 95 2000 m
21 2.1 46 4.6 71 21 96 4000 m
22 2.2 47 4.7 72 22 97 10 kms.
23 2.3 48 4.8 73 23 98 20 kms.
24 2.4 49 4.9 74 24 99 50 kms. Or more

NOTES

1. a. For Code figure 00 to 50, the code is direct reading in units of 100 m (0.1 km)
b. The Code figures 51 to 55 are not used.
c. For Code figures 56 to 80, 50 should be subtracted and the reminder is direct reading in
units of kilometers.
d. For Code figures 81 to 89, the code reads in increments of 5 kms. from the values given for
code fig. 80.

2. If the observed visibility is between two of the reportable distances as given in the table, the
code figure for the lower reportable distance will be reported.

II. Stations not provided with visibility-meters will use the abridged visibility table given below
for reporting VV.

Abridged Visibility Table

Night observations
Code figure Day light observations. Distances rendering 100
candle power lamp
invisible.
90 Objects not visible at 50 meters 100 meters
91 Objects visible at 50 meters but not at 200 330 meters
meters
92 Objects visible at 200 meters but not at 500 740 meters
meters
93 Objects visible at 500 meters but not at 1,000 1340 meters
meters
94 Objects visible at 1,000 meters but not at 2300 meters
2,000 meters
95 Objects visible at 2,000 meters but not at 4000 meters
4,000 meters

28
 96 Objects visible at 4,000 meters but not at 7500 meters
10,000 meters
97 Objects visible at 10,000 meters but not at 12000 meters
20,000 meters

98 Objects visible at 20,000 meters but not at At greater distance

50,000 meters 100 candle power
99 Objects visible at 50,000 meters or more lamp unsuitable

NOTES

A. Objects are regarded as visible for the purpose of the coded report only if they can be
recognised for what they are.

B. In the case of passing showers or other passing phenomena not occurring at the station itself,
but only in sight of the station the observation of visibility should be made as far as possible
when the showers or other phenomena are not between the observer and his visibility land
marks.

C. If the horizontal visibility is not the same in different directions, the shortest distance should be
given for VV.

D. At some stations, visibility marks may not be available or the existing marks may occasionally
not be visible owing to darkening phenomena. Under these conditions, the observer should
estimate the visibility according to the intensity of the fog, mist, dust-storm, haze or precipitation
at the station, taking into account the specifications of the following table :-

Code For or mist Snow Drizzle Rain Duststorm / Dust

figure (VV) haze
90 Very thick fog Very heavy … … Severe duststorm
91 Thick fog Very heavy or … Very heavy Severe duststorm
heavy
92 Moderate fog Heavy … Very heavy Duststorm or thick
dust haze
93 Slight fog Moderate Thick Heavy - do -
94 Thick mist Slight Moderate Moderate to Moderate dust
heavy haze
95 Slight mist Very slight Slight Moderate Dust haze
96 .. .. .. Light Dust haze

5. From a station where suitable lamp posts or other land marks are not available for reporting
night visibility, estimated night visibility in accordance with the instructions contained in note 4
above with the aid of the table giving the intensities of the weather phenomena and the
corresponding visibility code figure may be reported.

29
 CODE 26

W1 , W2 - Past weather

Code
figure
0 Cloud covering ½ or less of the sky throughout the appropriate period.
1 Cloud covering more than ½ the sky during part of the appropriate period
and covering ½ or less during part of the period.
2 Cloud covering more than ½ of the sky throughout the appropriate period.
3 Sandstorm, duststorm or blowing snow.
4 For or ice fog or thick haze
5 Drizzle
6 Rain
7 Snow, or rain and snow mixed.
8 Shower(s)
9 Thunderstorm(s) with or without precipitation.

NOTES

1. The period covered by “W1” and “W2” shall be

A. Six hours for observations at 0000, 0600, 1200 and 1800 GMT.
B. Three hours for observations at 0300, 0900, 1500 and 2100 GMT.
C. The period since the last routine observation in case of a special observation.
2. The code figures for “W1” and “W2” shall be selected in such a way that W1 ,W2 and ww
together give as complete a description as possible of the weather in the time interval
concerned. For example, if the type of weather undergoes a complete change during the
time interval concerned, the code figures selected for W1 and W2 shall describe the
weather prevailing before the type of weather indicated by ww began.
3. If, using principle of note (2), more than one code figures may be given to W1 with regard
to the past weather, the highest code figure shall be reported for W1 and the second
highest code figure shall be reported for W2.
4. If the entire period covered by W1 and W2 has been under the influence of only one type of
weather, the corresponding code figure shall be used for W1 and W2.
5. Thus, the code figure for W2 is always equal to or less than the code figure for W1. The
order in which W1 and W2 appear implies no time sequence of past weather.
6. If thunder has been heard and lightening seen or only thunder has been heard during the
periods mentioned in 1 above, Code figure 9 should be reported. If, however, only
lightening is seen without thunder being heard, code figure 9 should not be reported.
7. If the “showers” and “thunderstorm” reported under code figures 8 and 9 respectively were
accompanied by hail, the word “Past hail” should be added at the end of the telegram in
Section 5. A separate report should also be sent to the appropriate Regional Centre in the
prescribed form.
8. Blowing snow is defined as an ensemble of snow particles raised by the wind to moderate
or great heights above the ground, the horizontal visibility at eye level being generally very
poor (less than 1 Km.). The concentration of the snow particles may sometime be
sufficient to veil the sky and even the sun. The snow particles are nearly always violently
stirred up by the wind.

30
9. If showers of snow or of ‘rain and snow mixed’ occurred with temperature above freezing
point, the word “snow” or “sleet” should be added at the end of the telegram, in Section 5.

CODE – 27

ww - Present weather. Weather at the time of observation and general

character of weather during the preceding one hour.

ww = 00 No precipitation at the station at the time of observation

– 49
ww = 00 No precipitation, fog, ice fog (except for 11 and 12), dust-storm, sand
– 19 storm, drifting or blowing snow at the station at the time of observation or,
except for 09 and 17 during the preceding hour.
00 Cloud development not
observed or not
observable.
No 01 Clouds generally Characteristic change of the state of
meteors dissolving or becoming the sky during the past hour.
except less developed.
photomet 02 State of sky on the whole
eros unchanged
03 Clouds generally forming
or developing
Haze, 04 Visibility reduced by smoke e.g. forest fires, industrial smoke or
dust, volcanic ashes.
sand or 05 Haze
smoke 06 Widespread dust in suspension in the air, not raised by wind at or
near the station at the time of observation
07 Dust or sand raised by wind at or near the station at the time of
observation, but no well-developed dust whirl(s) or sand whirl(s)
and no duststorm or sand-storm seen.
08 Well developed dust whirl(s) or sand whirl(s) seen at or near the
station during the preceding hour or at the time of observation,
but no duststorm or sand-storm
09 Duststorm or sandstorm within sight at the time of observation or
at the station during the preceding hour.
10 Mist
11 Patches of Shallow fog or ice fog at the station
whether on land or sea, not deeper
than about 2 meters on land or 10
12 More or less meters at sea.
continuous
13 Lightening visible, no
thunder heard.
14 Precipitation within sight, not reaching the ground or the surface
of the sea.

31
 15 Precipitation within sight, reaching the ground or the surface of
the sea, but distant (i.e. estimated to be more than 5 kms.) from
the station.
16 Precipitation within sight, reaching the ground or the surface of
the sea, near to, but not at the station.
17 Thunderstorm, but no precipitation at the time of observation.
18 Squalls At or within sight of the station during
the preceding hour or at the time of
19 Funnel cloud(s)* observation
* - Tornado cloud or water spout
ww = 20 Precipitation, fog, ice fog or thunderstorm at the station during the
– 29 preceding hour but not at the time of observation.
20 Drizzle (not freezing) or snow grains) Not
21 Rain (not freezing) falling
22 Snow as
23 Rain and snow or ice pellets shower(s)
24 Freezing drizzle or freezing rain
25 Shower (s) of rain
26 Shower (s) of snow, or of rain and snow
27 Shower (s) of hail*, or of hail and rain
28 Fog, or ice fog
29 Thunderstorm (with or without precipitation).
* - Hail, small hail, snow pellets

ww = 30 39 Dust-storm, sand-storm, drifting or blowing snow.

30 Has decreased during the preced-Slight or
hour.
Moderate
31 Dust-storm or No appreciable change during the
Sand-storm preceding hour.

32 Has begun or has increased during

the preceding hour.

33
Severe dust- Has decreased during the
Storm or Sand preceding hour
34 -storm No appreciable change during the
preceding hour

35 Has begun or has increased during

the preceding hour.

32
 36 Slight or moderate drifting snow Generally low
37 Heavy drifting snow (below eye level)
(below eye level)
38 Slight or moderate blowing snow Generally high
39 Heavy blowing snow (above eye level)

ww = 40 – 49 Fog or ice fog at the time of observation.

40 Fog or ice fog at a distance at the time of observation, but not at the
station during the preceding hour, the fog or ice fog extending to a
level above that of the observer.
41 Fog or ice fog, in patches. Has become thinner
42 Fog or ice fog, sky visible during the
43 Fog or ice fog, sky invisible Preceding hour.
44 Fog or ice fog, sky visible No appreciable
45 Fog or ice fog, sky invisible Change during the
preceding hour
46 Fog or ice fog, sky visible Has begun or has
become thicker during
47 Fog or ice fog sky invisible the preceding hour
48 Fog, depositing rime, sky visible
49 Fog, depositing rime, sky invisible.
Ww = 50 – 99 Precipitation at the station at the time of observation.

Ww = 50 – 59 Drizzle
50 Drizzle, not freezing, intermittent. Slight at the
time of
51 Drizzle, not freezing, continuous. observation

52 Drizzle, not freezing, intermittent. Moderate at

time of
53 Drizzle, not freezing, Continuous. Observation

54 Drizzle, not freezing, intermittent. Heavy(dense)

at time of
55 Drizzle, not freezing, Continuous. Observation

56 Drizzle, freezing, slight.

57 Drizzle, freezing, moderate or heavy (dense)
58 Drizzle, and rain, slight.
59 Drizzle and rain, moderate or heavy

ww = 60–69 Rain
60 Rain, not freezing, intermittent. Slight at time of
61 Rain, not freezing, continuous observation

33
 62 Rain, not freezing, intermittent Moderate at time
63 Rain, not freezing, continuous of Observation
64 Rain, not freezing, intermittent Heavy at time
65 Rain, not freezing, continuous of Observation
66 Rain, freezing, slight
67 Rain, freezing, moderate or heavy,
68 Rain, or drizzle and snow, slight.
69 Rain or drizzle and snow, moderate or heavy

ww = 70 – 79 Solid precipitation not in showers.

70 Intermittent fall of snow flakes Slight at time of
71 Continuous fall of snow flakes observation
72 Intermittent fall of snow flake Moderate at time
73 Continuous fall of snow flakes of observation
74 Intermittent fall of snow flakes Heavy at time of
75 Continuous fall of snow flakes observation
76 Ice prisms (with or without fog)
77 Snow grains (with or without fog)
78 Isolated star-like snow crystals (with or without fog)
79 Ice pellets

ww = 80–99 Showery precipitation or precipitation with current or recent

thunderstorm
80 Rain shower(s), slight
81 Rain shower(s), moderate or heavy
82 Rain shower(s), violent
83 Shower(s) of rain and snow mixed, slight
84 Shower(s) of rain and snow mixed, moderate or heavy
85 Snow shower(s), slight
86 Snow shower(s), moderate or heavy
87 Shower(s) of snow pellets or small hail Slight
with or without rain or rain and snow Moderate
88 Mixed or heavy
89 Shower(s) of hail (French Grele) Slight
with or without rain or rain and snow Moderate
90 Mixed, not associated with thunder or heavy
91 Slight rain at time of observation
Thunder-
92 Moderate or heavy rain at time of storm
Observation during the
preceding
93 Slight snow or rain and snow mixed hour but
Or hail(*) at time of observation preceding
hour but
94 Moderate or heavy snow, or rain and not at time
Snow mixed or hail (*) at time of observation
Observation

34
 95 Thunderstorm, slight or moderate
Without hail (*) but with rain and/or Thunder-
Snow at time of observation storm at
time of
96 Thunderstorm, slight or moderate observation
With hail (*) at time of observation

97 Thunderstorm, heavy without hail (*)

But with rain and/or snow at time of
Observation

98 Thunderstorm combined with

duststorm or sand-storm at time of
observation.

99 Thunderstorm, heavy with hail(*) at

time of observation.
(*) – Hail, small hail, snow pellets

NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS

a. In the code for ww, the first and last twenty code figures (00-19 and 80-99) and the remaining
six “decades” give a broad division of the weather into eight main types. After selection of the
broad type which best applies to the prevailing weather conditions, that code figure is selected
which best describes the weather at the hour of observation or where specifically mentioned in
the code during the hour immediately preceding it. Should more than one of the descriptions in
the ww-table be applicable the one with the highest number must be selected.
‘At the time of observation’ means during the period occupied in taking and recording the
observations for a given hour, namely, ten minutes ending at the scheduled hour of
observation. The preceding 50 minutes period is referred to as “during the preceding hour.”
With showery or intermittent precipitation or thunderstorm, occurrences within 10 minutes of the
scheduled time of observation are reported as if they occurred at that time.
b. Neither when determining the type, nor in the final selection of the code figure for ww, account
must be taken of weather phenomena which occurred more than one hour prior to the hour of
observation.
c. a. Code figure 00-19 should only be used when no precipitation fog, ice fog, (except for 11
and 12), duststorm, sandstorm, drifting or blowing snow is present at the station at the time
of observation or (except for 09 and 17) during the preceding hour.
b. The state of sky is really reported by the cloud reports and not by ww. The numbers 00-03,
therefore, should only be used, when no higher number is more suitable.
In coding 01, 02 and 03, there is no limitation on the magnitude of the change of the cloud
amount. ww-00, 01 and 02 can each be used even when the sky is clear, at the time of
observation. In this case, the following interpretations of the specifications will apply :-
00 is used when the preceding conditions are not known.
01 is used when the clouds have dissolved during the preceding hour.
02 is used when the sky has been continuously clear during the preceding hour.

35
 c. The code figure 05 will be used when the obstruction to vision consists predominantly of
lithometeors such as dust, sand etc.
d. When the phenomenon is not predominantly water droplets, the appropriate code figure
should be selected without regard to VV.
e. For reporting code figure 10, the visibility should 1 kms. or more. The specification refers
only to the water droplet and ice crystals.
f. In the case of code figure 11 and 12, the apparent visibility should be less than 1 km.
The term ‘apparent visibility’ should be interpreted as the visibility inside the fog layer not
deeper than about 2 m. on land and 10 m. at the sea. For reporting code figures 11 and
12 under ww, this apparent visibility should be less than 1000 m. However, for reporting
purposes, visibility at the eye level of the observer should be given whether it is less than
or equal to or greater than 1000 m.
g. Code figure 17 should be used to report thunderstorm with precipitation at the time of
observation. It should be noted that this code figure should have preference over code
figures 20 – 49.
For coding purposes a thunderstorm is regarded as being at the station from the time thunder
is first heard, whether or not lightning is seen or precipitation is occurring at the station. A
thunderstorm is reported in present weather if thunder is heard within the normal
observational period preceding the time of the report. A thunderstorm is regarded as having
ceased at the time of the last audible thunder and the cessation is confirmed if thunder is not
heard for 10 – 15 minutes after this time.
h. For reporting code figure 18, a squall is defined as follows :
“ A sudden increase of wind speed by at least three stages on the Beaufort Scale, the
speed rising to force 6 or more and lasting for at least one minute is called squall.”
D. a. Code figure 20 – 29 should never be used when precipitation is observed at the time of
observation.
b.i. The term ‘ice pellet’ occurring in the specification for code figures 23 and 79 ‘small hail’ in
the specifications for code figures 87 and 88, ‘snow grains’ in the specification for code
figure 20 and ‘snow pellet’ in the explanation of hail in code figure 27 and also in the
specifications for code figures 87 and 88 are explained below :
Snow Grains :- Precipitation of very small white and opaque grains of ice. These grains are fairly flat or
elongated; their diameter is generally less than 1 mm.
Snow Pellets :- Precipitation of white and opaque grains of ice, usually spherical and sometimes
conical in shape and about 2 to 5 mms. in diameter.
Ice Pellets :- Precipitation of transparent or translucent pellets of ice which are spherical or irregular
(rarely conical). They consist of frozen rain drops or largely melted and refrozen snow
flakes. The freezing usually takes place near the earth’s surface.
Small hail :- Precipitation of pellets of snow encased in a thin layer of ice which has formed from the
freezing either of droplets intercepted by the pellets or of water resulting from partial
melting of the pellets.
b.ii. For reporting code figure 28, visibility during the prevalence of for or ice fog should be
less than 1 km. The specification only refers to visibility restrictions which occurred as
a result of water droplets or ice crystals.

E. Code figures 30 – 39 should only be used in the case of dust or sand storm or drifting or
blowing snow.
a. A dust or sand storm occurs when owing to the action of a strong continuous wind or a
squall, sand or dust is raised into atmosphere in sufficient quantity to reduce the horizontal
visibility to below 1,000 meters.

36
 b. Drifting or blowing snow is reported when snow is raised from the ground by a sufficiently
strong and turbulent wind such that the horizontal visibility is less than 1 km.
i. Code figures 36 and 37 – Drifting snow is reported when the motion of the snow particles is
more or less parallel to the ground and the visibility is not sensibly diminished at eye level.
*
ii. Code figures 38 and 39 – Blowing snow is reported when the snow particles are whirled up
by the wind to moderate or great heights and the horizontal visibility at the eye level* is
very poor (vide also note 8 under code 26).
iii. Drifting or blowing snow should not be reported if it is actually snowing. In that case, code
figures 70 to 79 will be used.

* eye level is defined as 1.8 km above the ground.

F. For reporting code figures 41 – 49, visibility should be less than 1 km. In the case of code figures
40 and 41 the apparent visibility in the fog or ice fog patch or bank will be less than 1 km.
Code figures 40 – 47 are used when the obstruction to vision consists predominantly of water
droplets or ice crystals and code figures 48 and 49 when the obstruction consists predominantly
of water droplets.
G. With respect to precipitation, the phrase “at the station” in the ww-table means “at the point where
the observation is normally taken.”
H. Code figure 50 – 59 should only be reported in the case of drizzle, fairly uniform precipitation
(with or without fog) and of tiny droplets which appears almost to float in the air. The droplets are
generally extremely numerous. Drizzle usually falls out of a continuous, dense and low layer of
stratus. Along coasts, and in mountains particularly, drizzle may sometimes produce
considerable amounts of precipitation.
I. Code figures 60 – 69 should only be reported in the case of fairly continuous precipitation of
drops from a continuous sheet of cloud. The sky in this case is as a rule covered with a layer of
rain clouds forming from an Altostratus system, or with a uniformly gray, but relatively high
canopy of clouds, generally with other formless masses of cloud below (which may even be
present in such quantities that the upper clouds are completely hidden).
J. a. Code figures 70 to 75 and 77 to 79 should only be reported in the case of snowflakes,
snow grains or ice pellets i.e. with fairly continuous precipitation in solid form from a
continuous cloud sheet. The sky in this case is also generally covered with a layer of
snow clouds forming from an altostratus system or with a uniformly gray but relatively
high canopy of clouds as a rule with other formless masses of low cloud below (which
may even be present in such quantities that the upper clouds are completely hidden).
Code figure 76 should be reported as indicated in note (e) below:
b. Isolated snow crystals or small snow-flakes from a stable layer of stratocumulus or
stratus, however, must also be counted as belonging to this decade.
c. Numbers 70 and 71 should only be used when the snow falls without perceptibly
contributing to the snow covering (depth of the snow).
d. The numbers 72 – 75 should be used in the case of ordinary snowfall. The
precipitation then consists of hexagonal or six rayed snow crystals, which fall either
singly or combined to form snow flake.
e. Code figure 76 should be reported in the case of ice prisms i.e. when there is a fall of
unbranched ice crystals, in the form of needles, columns or plates, often so tiny that
they seem to be suspended in the air. These crystals may fall from a cloud or from a
cloudless sky.
f. The number 77 should be reserved for snow grains and 79 for ice pellets.

37
K. a. Code figures 80 – 99 should be reported in the case of showery precipitation or
precipitation with current or recent thunderstorm; of these the code figures 80 – 90 are
to be used when there is no thunderstorm; figures 91 – 94 when thunderstorm
occurred during the hour previous to the time of observation and 95 – 99 when there is
thunderstorm at the station at the time of observation. The showery character is
distinguished not only by the rapid beginning and cessation of the precipitation, or its
violent and widely varying intensity, but also and primarily, by the appearance of the
sky; rapid alteration between dark threatening shower clouds and short bright periods,
often with deep blue sky. Sometimes there is no definite bright period between the
showers which is due either to a layer of high cloud (often the forerunner of a new rain
area) or to the space between the shower-clouds being filled up with low but lighter
cloud. It may also happen that the precipitation never completely ceases between the
showers; the arrival of a shower cloud is then manifested by sudden darkness and by a
sudden increase of the intensity of the precipitation.
b. Code figures 87 and 88 are reported in the case of snow pellets or small hail.
c. Code figure 98 is to be reported for thunderstorm combined with duststorm. The
observer may use this code figure even though he may not be sure whether
precipitation is or is not occurring, provided it is not actually visible.
d. When a shower or thunderstorm accompanied by hail is reported under ‘ww’ the word
‘Hail’ should be added at the end of the telegram, in Section 5.
L. a. In determining the intensity of precipitation, a trained observer will usually be guided by
the intensity at the time of observation. It may also be estimated in regard to its effect
on visibility (see Note 4 of Code 25).
b. The precipitation shall be encoded as ‘Intermittent’ if it has been discontinuous during
the preceding hour, without presenting the character of a shower.
M. If it happens that there is no precipitation, fog, dust-storm, thunder-storm or squall at the time of
observations, but precipitation, fog, dust-storm, thunder-storm or squall commences when the
observer is calculating his results or writing the telegram, then this information should be added
in plain language at the end of the telegram, e.g. drizzle started 0845 etc. before dispatching
the telegram.

EXAMPLES
I. Date : 16th January Time of observation : 0300 GMT.

M.S.L. Pressure : 1002.8 mb, P24P24P24 : -3.4 mb

Temperature : D.B. 10.3o C, D.P. 09.8oC,

Minimum 09.5oC.

Wind : 270o 09 knots. Visibility : 5000 m

Clouds : 3/8 Sc (formed out of Cu) at 600 m approaching the

station from west;
1/8 Cb (with anvil) at 750 m seen towards NW with its top
at an elevation of 30o; 8/8 As (Dense) at 2400 m.
N = Overcast

38
 Rainfall : 24.3 mm since last 03 GMT.
Progressive Seasonal Total : 37.3 mm

Weather : 0005 0015 0150 0245

(Timings in GMT)
NE NW
1802
05Kt 37Kt 1804

TELEGRAM :
AAXX 16034 21596 82709 10103 20098
40028 76196 8492/ 333 20095 56699
57972 59034 6024/ 83620 81925 88458
555 00243 10037 27828 =

II. Date : 10th March Time of observation : 12 GMT.

M.S.L. Pressure : 993.2 mb, P24P24P24 : 0.8 mb
Temperature : D.B. 37.7oC, D.P. 20.2oC,
Maximum 40.3oC.
Wind : 050o 03 knots. Visibility : 12 Kms.
Rainfall : Nil since 03 GMT
Weather : Clouds forming from 0700 GMT and dissolving by 1000
GMT. Sky clear since 10 GMT.

TELEGRAM :
AAXX 10124 32997 00503 10377 20202
49932 333 10403 58008 =

III. CODING OF TEMPERATURE

A. Dry bulb 06.2oC Dew Point –05.7oC, Coded groups in Section 1 :

10062 21057

B. Dry bulb 00.0oC Dew Point –00.6oC, Coded groups in Section 1 :

10000 21006

39
 V. CODING ww and W1 and W2
(All timings in IST)
1555 1705
a. 76099 ( in 12 GMT Telegram )
1610
0535 0640 0730
b. 72065 ( in 03 GMT Telegram )
0640 0730 0740
1130 1615 1715
c. 79295 ( in 12 GMT Telegram )
1150 1700
1230 1430 1700
d. 78065 ( in 12 GMT Telegram )
1330 1530
0330 0450 0530
0440 0520
e. 75011 ( in 03 GMT Telegram )
0630 0755

1130 1240 1630

f. 1730 Omit( All insignificant )

General remarks on the new Code Forms

The following new symbols with corresponding code tables have been added:
a3 (Code 1), Da (Code 6), DH (Code 6), e C (Code 10), i R (Code 17),
i W (Code 18), i x (Code 19).

R24R24R24R24; sn; tR - Specifications given under meaning of the symbols.

2. The following symbols are similar to existing symbols with minor changes.
New Symbol Corresponding old symbol
Dw1d w1, d w2d w2 d wd w
HwaHwa,Hw1Hw1,Hw2Hw2, HwHw
hhh PPP
PwaPwa, Pw1Pw1, Pw2Pw2, PwPw
P24P24P24P24 P24P24
PPPP PPP
RTRTRTRT RRRR
TTT TT
TdTdTdTd TdTd
TnTnTn TnTn
TxTxTx TxTx
W1 W2 W

3. MiMiMjMj will be reported as AAXX instead of MMXX

4. New specifications of RRR have been introduced.

5. The following symbols in use now are retained with the same meaning: C, CH, CM, CL, DL, DM,
Dq, dd, Fq, ff, GG, HwHw, h, hshs, N, Nh, Ns, PwPw, PoPoPoPo, q, qt, SpSpspsp, VV, ww, YY.

40
 IV. SPECIAL OBSERVATIONS
A. Requisition for Special Observation

In addition to the routine observations recorded at a station, the observers may occasionally be
required to take extra observations on the receipt of requests from centers like “Weather Poona”,
“Weather Calcutta”, “Weather New Delhi” etc. The requisitions will generally be made in special code
words which are explained below.

There are two code words which signify to the observer the class in which he has to telegraph
the extra set of observations. These words are:

“Lightning” meaning “Class the special observation telegram XXW – storm”

“Express” meaning “Class the special observation telegram XW”.

The times in Greenwich Mean Time at which the observer is to take the extra set of
observations are indicated by the following code words :

Code Word Time of Observation Code Word Time of Observation

Accordion 1 hr. UTC Maltreat 13 hrs. UTC
Bannock 2 hrs. UTC Negotiate 14 hrs. UTC
Compensate 3 hrs. UTC Onlooker 15 hrs. UTC
Definite 4 hrs. UTC Pastime 16 hrs. UTC
Encounter 5 hrs. UTC Quotation 17 hrs. UTC
Formidable 6 hrs. UTC Recitation 18 hrs. UTC
Gorgeous 7 hrs. UTC Sisterhood 19 hrs. UTC
Humility 8 hrs. UTC Tournament 20 hrs. UTC
Imperial 9 hrs. UTC Untimely 21 hrs. UTC
Jocular 10 hrs. UTC Vagabond 22 hrs. UTC
Kinsman 11 hrs. UTC Wilderness 23 hrs. UTC
Lantern 12 hrs. UTC Xylonite 24 hrs. UTC

When the above message is followed by any of the following code words the intervals after
which the special observations to be repeated are given thus:-

“Yarrow” Means “and then further observations at intervals of 1 hour until further orders”.
“Yearling” Means “and then further observations at intervals of 2 hours until further orders”.
“Yield” Means “and then further observations at intervals of 3 hours until further orders”.
“Zealot” Means “and then further observations at intervals of 4 hours until further orders”.
“Zigzag” Means “and then further observations at intervals of 6 hours until further orders”.
“Zodiac” Means “and then further observations at intervals of 8 hours until further orders”.

41
Below are given three examples of telegrams requisitioning for special observations.
Telegram Explanation
I. To From Kanpur is to take an extra set of observations at 2
Observatory, Weather hrs. UTC and dispatch to New Delhi the coded
Kanpur New Delhi weather telegram classed “XW” as soon as taken.

“Express Bannock” Weather

II. To From Machilipatnam is to take observations at 14 hours,

Observatory, Weather 20 hrs and 2 hrs. UTC and wire to Calcutta each
Machalipatnam Calcutta set as soon as taken, classing the telegram “XXW-
Storm”.
“Lightning Negotiate
Tournament Bannock” Weather
III. To From Pamban is to take extra observations at 14 hrs.
Obseravatory Weather UTC telegraph these to Madras classed “XXW-
Pamban Madras Storm” and also take special observations every
six hours until further orders from Madras and wire
“Lightning negotiate them similarly classed “XXW-Storm”.
Zigzag” Weather

NOTES.
I. Each telegram requisitioning or discontinuing special observations refer only to the
Meteorological Centre from which it is sent. Thus, if New Delhi asks for special observations
from Kanpur, the extra observations are to be telegraphed only to New Delhi and not to other
Meteorological Centres to which Kanpur sends regular morning and afternoon observations.
Again, if Pamban has received requests for extra observations from both Calcutta and Madras,
Pamban must not discontinue sending special observations to Calcutta when Madras wires
“Discontinue special observations.” The message from Madras applies to Madras only and the
message from Calcutta to Calcutta only.
II. A telegram from a forecasting Centre requisitioning special observations cancels previous
telegram or telegrams regarding special observations received from that forecasting Centre.
III. The Special observations telegrams should be classed “XW” or “XXW-Storm”, according to the
instructions of the forecasting Centre requisitioning special observations.

B. Code for reporting Special Observations.

58P24P24P24
SSSS YYGGiw Nddff PPPW1 wwRRR 59P24P24P24

Where SSSS is the identification group and the other letters have the same meaning as in routine
observations.

42
 V. GENERAL
Weather telegram must always be prepared in the telegram form supplied by this
department. The left hand half of this form is ruled into squares, which the observer should use to
prepare the coded telegram.
Always make a carbon copy of the telegram. Send the original to the telegraph office and
forward carbon copy of the routine observations to the appropriate Regional Meteorological Centre
along with the Register. The Carbon copy of special observations telegram, however, should be sent
with the claim for awards.
Earthquake shock when felt should be reported to the Meteorological Centre/Regional
Meteorological Centre indicating the time of the shock.

SPECIAL PHENOMENA CODE IN SYNOPTIC MESSAGES

Special phenomena group ( 9 Sp Sp sp sp )

This supplementary drop-out group is included in weather messages, only when occasion
arises. It is used to report special phenomena or to amplify details or past weather. It may, therefore,
appear in the messages, twice, once or not at all, according to circumstances.

Explanation : 9 Indicator figure.

Sp Sp Special phenomena (general)

sp sp Special phenomena (detail).

Symbolic form of code with group specifications.

The 9-group which is used to give information about certain phenomena occurring at the
time when a synoptic observation is made, has provision also for indicating certain phenomena which
have occurred during the period covered by past weather (3 or 6 hours); in this case one or more time
groups (decade 00 – 10) are added, referring to the preceding 9-groups.

Decade 00 – 10 : Time groups

9 0 0 Gq Gq Time (to the nearest quarter hour) of maximum intensity of any phenomena
which did not persist longer than half an hour.

9 0 1 Gq Gq Time of commencement of any phenomena to the nearest quarter hour.

9 0 2 Gq Gq Time of ending of any phenomena to the nearest quarter hour.

9 0 3 tw tw Time of commencement and duration of any phenomena which has lasted

more than half an hour.

9 0 4 Gq Gq Time of commencement of fog (or sandstorm/ duststorm, drift snow) if still

persisting.

43
9 0 5 Gq Gq Time of ending of fog (or sandstorm/ duststorm, drift snow).

906

907

908

9 0 9 Gq Gq Time of commencement of squalls, if still persisting.

9 1 0 Gq Gq Time of ending of squalls.

Decade 11 – 19 : Wind and sea

901ff Maximum gusts (more than 40 knots) in the period covered by past weather.

912ff Maximum mean wind (more than 30 knots) in the period covered by past
weather.

9 1 3 dc dc Director of the wind

9 0 4 S Fx State of the sea and maximum wind force (Fx 9 Beaufort)

9 1 5 S Fx State of the sea and maximum wind force (Fx > 9 Beaufort)

9 1 6 S’ V’s State of the weather surface and visibility of a sea-plane alighting area.

9 1 7 S’ S State of the sea in the alighting area and in the open sea.

9 1 8 S Vs State of the sea and visibility seawards from a coastal station.

919ff Wind speed in knots.

NOTES

1. A significant change in wind speed / direction is reported by two 9 1 9 f f /9 1 3 dc dc groups

giving the speed/direction before and after the change. The time of change is given by the
group 9 0 0 Gq Gq.
2. Variation in speed/direction of light and variable winds would not normally be reported, nor
would a gradual change in speed/ direction of a strong wind; by “significant” change is meant
the sudden setting in or cessation of a strong wind or a sudden change in speed/direction of a
strong wind.

44
Decade 20 – 29 : Icing phenomena, drift snow, coloured or heavy
precipitation.

9 2 0 So io Hoar frost or coloured precipitation.

9 2 1 S3 Tw Rime and glazed frost.

9 2 2 S4 S’4 Character and regularity of the snow cover.

9 2 2 S5 S’5 Drift snow.

924

925

926

927

928RR Amount of precipitation of more than 30 mm within 12 hours.

929RR Amount of precipitation during the preceding 6 hours.

Decade 30 – 39 : Tropical phenomena and phenomena of high

latitudes.

930 To be determined later.

931 To be determined later.

932 To be determined later.

933 To be determined later.

934 To be determined later.

935 To be determined later.

936 To be determined later.

937 To be determined later.

938 To be determined later.

939 To be determined later.

45
Decade 40 – 49 : Insolation and clouds.

940

941

942

9 4 3 ht ht Height of the tops of the lowest clouds or of the lowest cloud layer.

9 4 4 C n3 Evolution of clouds.

9 4 5 Da Co Orographic clouds.

9 4 6 Da Ca Clouds of vertical development.

947

948

949

Decade 50 – 59 : Cloud conditions over mountains and passes.

9 5 DaNmn3 Cloud conditions over mountains and passes.

Decade 60 – 69 : Detailed observations of Cumulus and Cumulonimbus

clouds and associated weather phenomena.

960

9 6 1 Da e’ Direction and elevation of active center of distant lightning.

962

963

9 6 4 Da e’ Direction and elevation of threatening dark grey cloud mass, tops not visible;
or direction and elevation of low ragged dark clouds seen in distance below a
cloud sheet.

46
9 6 5 Da e’ Director and elevation of distance duststorm (may be seen under Cu or Cb
top).

9 6 6 Da e’ Direction and elevation of wall of dust in distance (like haboob).

967

9 6 8 Da e’ Direction and elevation of opaque band of rain seen falling from Cb or from
cloud presumed to be Cb.

9 6 9 Da e’ Direction and elevation of wide bank rain seen falling from sheet of cloud of
which tops are not visible.

Decade 70 – 79 : Detailed observations of visibility.

9 7 0 Vs Vs Visibility towards the sea.

Visibility varying

9 7 1 Vx Vs Maximum visibility in the NE quadrant.

9 7 2 Vx Vx Maximum visibility in the SE quadrant.
Direction
With

9 7 3 Vx Vx Maximum visibility in the SW quadrant

9 7 4 Vx Vx Maximum visibility in the NW quadrant

9 7 5 Da Vb Variation of visibility with time.

9 7 6 Vh Vh Minimum visibility in the NE quadrant.

9 7 7 Vh Vh Minimum visibility in the SE quadrant.

Direction
Visibility
varying

9 7 8 Vh Vh Minimum visibility in the SW quadrant.

With

9 7 9 Vh Vh Minimum visibility in the NE quadrant.

47
Decade 80 – 89 : Gusts and variations of temperature during showers, thunderstorms,
duststorms/sandstorms, frontal passages and other phenomena.

9 8 0 fg TV Shower or thunderstorm or duststorm/sandstorm at the station.

9 8 1 fg TV Shower or thunderstorm or duststorm/sandstorm coming from NE Sector.

9 8 2 fg TV Shower or thunderstorm or duststorm/sandstorm coming from SE Sector.

9 8 3 fg TV Shower or thunderstorm or duststorm/sandstorm coming from SW Sector.

9 8 4 fg TV Shower or thunderstorm or duststorm/sandstorm coming from SW Sector.

9 8 5 fg TV Shower or thunderstorm or duststorm/sandstorm no direction indicated.

9 8 6 fg TV Passage of a front of cold front type, at the station.

9 8 7 fg TV Passage of a front of cold front type, at the station.

9 8 8 fg TV Land breeze or sea breeze.

9 8 9 fg TV Mountain wind or valley wind.

Note –For values of fg 96 knots, a group 9 1 1 f f will be added.

Decade 90 – 99 : Information amplifying present weather or past weather.

9 9 0 Da Da Adjacent precipitation.
9 9 1 Da Mw Waterspout(s), tornadoes, whirlwinds, dust devils.
9 9 2 Da A1 Direction in which phenomenon is A1 observed
9 9 3 Da A2 Direction towards which phenomenon is A2moving.
9 9 4 Da A3 Day darkness.
995ss Depth of fresh snow.
996ss Total depth of snow.
9 9 7 o ra Conditions of radar propagation.
99713 Past weather = 3, duststorm, or sandstorm with temperature below 0oC
99714 Past weather = 4, thick dust haze (visibility below 1,000m).
99718 Past weather = 8, showers of snow or showers of rain and snow mixed (with
temperature above 0oC*)
9 9 7 2 Hg Past weather = 9 or 9, dimension of solid precipitation.**

48
99744 Fog & rain, fog and drizzle, or fog and snow.
9 9 8 1 W1 W1 during the period 00 – 06 h.
9 9 8 2 W1 W1 during the period 06 – 12 h.
9 9 8 3 W1 W1 during the period 12 – 18 h.
9 9 8 4 W1 W1 during the period 18 – 24 h.
9 9 9 q Dq Nature and direction of wind during squall.

* This group replaces the words SNOW/SLEET added at the end of the report.
** This group replaces the words HAIL/PAST HAIL added at the end of the report.

MEANING OF SYMBOLIC LETTERS FOR USE IN REGION II.

A1 Phenomena seen or head in, or extending towards direction Da (Code 1)

A2 Phenomena moving towards direction Da (Code 2)

A3 Day darkness, worst in direction Da (Code 3)

C Type of cloud (Surface Code 2)

Ca Nature of clouds of vertical development (Code 4 )

Co Orographic clouds (Code 5 )

Da Direction in which orographic clouds or clouds of vertical development are seen

(Decade 4) (Surface Code 6).

Direction in which cloud conditions over mountains and passes are reported (Decade
5).

Direction in which the middle point of the phenomenon lies from the place of
observation (Decade 6).

Direction in which visibility varies with time. (Decade 7).

Direction. (Decade 9).

Dq Direction of wind during squall. (Surface Code 7).

DaDa Sector defined by Da and Da in which the precipitation is observed.

dcdc Direction of wind. (Code 6).

49
e' Angle of elevation of the top of the phenomenon above horizon; that is, the angle
between the horizontal plance through the eye of the observer and the straight line
from the eye of the observer to the top of the phenomenon (Code 7).

Fx Maximum force of the wind in the period covered by W on the Beaufort Scale (Unit digit
alone reported in the group 915SFx).

Fg Maximum speed of wind in gust in tens of knots (or in units of 5 metres per second).

ff Wind speed in knots (metres per second). The initial figure 1 is omitted for speeds 100-
139 knots in group 911ff, and for speeds 100-129 knots in group 912ff.

Gq Gq Time to the nearest quarter hour. For HH-07 to HH+07, code as HH (i. e. 00 to 23).
For HH+08 to HH+22, add 25 to HH
For HH+23to HH+37, add 50 to HH While Coding
For HH+38 to HH+52, add 75 to HH

Hg Diameter of hailstorms in centimetres (0= “gresil, neige roules” or “grele” with stones
less than 0.5 cm. In diameter).

htht Height of the tops of the lowest clouds or of the lowest cloud layer. (Surface code 16).

ic Intensity of the phenomenon. (Code 8).

Mw Waterspout(s), tornadoes, whirlwinds, dust devils. (Code 9).

Nm Cloud conditions over mountains and passes. (Code 10).

nw Duration of the phenomenon. (Code 11).

n3 Evolution of clouds. (Code 12)

q Nature of squall. (Code 13)

ra Conditions of radar propagation (to be reported only on the basis of direct radar
observations). (Code 14).

RR Amount of precipitation. (Surface Code 27).

S State of the sea. (Code 15).

S' State of water surface in an alighting area. (Code 15).

So Hoar frost or coloured precipitation. (Code 16).

S3 Rime and glazed frost. (Code 17).

S4 Character of the snow cover. (code 18).

S'4 Regularity of the snow cover. (Codd 19).

50
S5 Drift snow. (Code 20).

S'5 Evolution of drift snow. (Code 21).

ss Depth of fresh snow or total depth of snow. (code 22).

Tv Variation of temperature during showers, thunderstorms, frontal passages and other

phenomena in while degrees Celsius or double degrees Fahrenheit (9= more than 9oC,
or 18oF).

Note : In the case of a duststorm/sandstorm/thunderstorm, if there is a rise, the word RISE

may be added in plain language.

tw Time of commencement of a phenomenon before the hour of observation. (Code 23).

Tw Variation of temperature during the period covered by W, associated with glaze or

rime. (Code 24).

Vb Variation of visibility during the hour preceding the observation. (Code 25).

Vs Visibility seawards from a coastal station (Code 26).

V’s Visibility over the water surface of an alighting area. (See Vs).

VsVs Visibility towards the sea. (Surface Code 24).

VxVx Maximum visibility in the specified quadrant. (See VsVs)

VhVh Minimum visibility in the specified quadrant. (See VsVs)

W1 W2 Past weather in the specified period of time.

(Surface code 26).

51
 SPECIFICATION OF THE CODE FIGURE FOR USE IN REGION II

Code 1

A1 Phenomena seen or heard in Direction Da

Code Figure
0 No specification.
1 Aurora borealis.
2 Smoke of veldt or forest fires.
3 Fog in sight.
8 Thunder
9 Lighting.

Code 2
A2 Phenomena seen or heard in Direction Da

Code Figure
1. Waterspout(s).
2. Tornado cloud(s)
3. Dust devil(s).
4. Sandstorm or duststorm.
9. Thunderstorm.

Code 3
A3 Phenomena seen or heard in Direction Da

Code Figure
0 Day darkness, bad.
1 Day darkness, very bad.
2 Day darkness, black.

Code 4
Ca Nature of clouds of vertical development.
Code figure
1. Isolated clouds of slight or moderate vertical development, forming or increasing.
2. Isolated clouds of slight or moderate vertical development, not changing.
3. Isolated clouds of slight or moderate vertical development, dissolving or diminishing.
4. Isolated clouds of moderate or strong vertical development, forming or increasing.
5. Isolated clouds of moderate or strong vertical development, not changing.

6. Isolated clouds of moderate or strong vertical development, dissolving or diminishing.

7. Numerous clouds of moderate or strong vertical development, forming or increasing.
8. Numerous clouds of moderate or strong vertical development, not changing.
9. Numerous clouds of moderate or strong vertical development, dissolving or
diminishing.

52
Code 5
Co Orographic Clouds.

Code Figure

1. Isolated orographic clouds, pileus, incus, forming.

2. Isolated orographic clouds, pileus, incus, not changing.
3. Isolated orographic clouds, pileus, incus, dissolving.
4. Irregular banks of orographic clouds, Fohn bank, etc., forming.
5. Irregular banks of orographic cloud, Fohn bank, etc., not changing.
6. Irregular banks of orographic cloud, Fohn bank, etc., dissolving.
7. Compact layer of orographic cloud, Fohn bank, etc. forming.
8. Compact layer of orographic cloud, Fohn bank, etc., not chanigng.
9. Compact layer of orographic cloud, Fohn bank, etc., dissolving.

Code 6.
dcdc Direction of wind

Code Figure Direction Code Figure Direction

00 Calm 07 ENE
02 NNE 09 E
05 NE 11 ESE
14 SE 27 W
16 SSE 29 WNW
18 S 32 NW
20 SSW 34 NNW
23 SW 36 N
25 WSW 99 Variable

Code 7.
e’ Angle of elevation of the top of the phenomenon above horizon.

Code Figure Angle of elevation

0 Tops of cloud not visible
1 45o or more
2 About 30o
3 About 20o
4 About 15o
5 About 12o
6 About 9o
7 About 7o
8 About 6o
9 Less than 5o

53
 Note
Vertical angles may also be estimated by a rough and ready method. A simple way is to hold a foot-
rule (or any straight stick one foot long) with one end close to the eye and its length stretching out in
front horizontally; if a span or forefinger of the other hand be then made to project upward from the
other end of the rule to serve as a mark and the eye is directed towards the upper end of the span or
finger, the line of slight will make a definite angle with the horizon.

Mark above horizontal at foot’s length Angle of elevtion

Top of span formed by thumb and finger 30o
Top of full length of forefinger 15o
Top of half length of forefinger 9o
Breadth of two fingers 6o

Code 8
io – Intensity of the phenomenon.

Code figure
0 Slight
1 Moderate
2 Heavy or strong.

Code – 9
Mw – Waterspout(s), tornadoes, whirlwinds, dust devils

Code figure
0 Waterspout(s) within two miles of station
1 Waterspout(s) more than two miles from station.
2 Tornado clouds within two miles of station.
3 Tornado clouds more than two miles from station.
4 Whirlwinds of slight intensity.
5 Whirlwinds of moderate intensity.
6 Whirlwinds of severe intensity.
7 Dust devils of slight intensity.
8 Dust devils of moderate intensity.
9 Dust devils of severe intensity.

54
Code 10
Nm – Cloud conditions over mountains and passes

Code Figure
0 All mountains open, only small amounts of cloud present.
1 Mountains partly covered with detached clouds (not more than half the peaks can be
seen).
2 All mountain slopes covered, peaks and passes free.
3 Mountains open on observer’s side (only small amounts of cloud present), but a continuous
wall of cloud on the other side.
4 Clouds low above the mountains, but all slopes and mountains open (only small amounts
of cloud on the slopes).
5 Clouds low above the mountains, peaks partly covered by precipitation trails or clouds.
6 All peaks covered but passes open, slopes either open or covered.
7 Mountains generally covered but some peaks free, slopes wholly or partially covered.
8 All peaks, passes and slopes covered.
9 Mountains cannot be seen owing to darkness, fog, snowstorm, precipitation, etc.

Code 11
nw – Duration of the phenomenon.

Code Figure Code Figure

0 0 to ½ hour 5 2½ to 3 hours
1 ½ to 1 hour 6 3 to 3½ hours
2 1 to 1½ hours. 7 3½ to 4 hours
3 1½ to 2 hours 8 4 to 5 hours
4 2 to 2½ hours 9 5 to 6 hours

55
Code 12
n3 – Evolution of clouds

Code Figure
0 No change
1 Has become cumuliform.
2. Has lifted slowly.
3 Has lifted rapidly
4 Has lifted and become stratified
5 Has become lower slowly.
6 Has become lower rapidly
7 Has become stratified.
8 Has become stratified and lower.
9 Rapid variations.

Code – 13
q – Nature of squall

Code figure

1 Calm followed by squall.

2 Light wind followed by squall.
3 Calm followed by a succession of squalls.
4 Light wind followed by a succession of squalls.
5 Gusty weather followed by squall.
6 Gusty weather followed by a succession of squalls.
7 Squalls followed by gusty weather.
8 General gusty weather with squalls at intervals.
9 Line squall.

56
Code –14
ra - Conditions of radar propagation

Code Figure

0 Below normal
1 Normal.
2 Above normal.

Code –15
S State of sea.
S’ State of water surface in an alighting area.

Code figure Mean maximum Mean maximum

height of sea waves height of sea waves
in metres in feet
(approximately)
0 Calm(glassy) 0 0
1 Calm (rippled) 0 - ¼ 0 - 1
2 Smooth (wavelets) ¾ - ½ 1 - 2
3 Slight ½ - 1¼ 2 - 4
4 Moderate 1¼ - 2½ 4 - 8
5 Rough 2½ - 4 8 - 13
6 Very rough 4 - 6 13 - 20
7 High 6 - 9 20 - 30
8 Very high 9 - 14 30 - 45
9 Phenomenal* Over 14 Over 45

Note
The exact bounding height is to be assigned to the lower code figure; e.g., a height of 4 metres is coded
as 5.
* As might exist at the centre of a hurricane.

Code – 16
So – Hoar frost or coloured precipitation.

Code Figure
0 Hoar frost on horizontal surfaces.
1 Hoar frost on horizontal and vertical surfaces.
2 Precipitation containing sand or desert dust.
3 Precipitation containing volcanic ash.

57
Code – 17
S3 – Rime and glazed frost

Code Figure

0 Slight rime (upto 20 mm).

1 Heavy rime (more than 20 mm).
2 Slight glaze (upto 20 mm)
3 Heavy glaze (more than 20 mm)
4 Slight glaze mixed with rime (upto 20 mm).
5 Heavy glaze mixed with rime (more than 20 mm).

Code – 18
S4 – Character of the snow cover.

Code Figure

0 Light fresh snow.

1 Fresh snow blown into drifts.
2 Fresh compact snow.
3 Old snow, loose.
4 Old now, firm.
5 Old snow, moist
6 Loose snow, with surface crust.
7 Firm snow, with surface crust.
8 Moist snow, with surface crust.

Code – 19
S’4 – Regularity of the snow cover..

Code Figure

0 Even snow cover, ground frozen, no drifts.

1 Even snow cover, ground soft, no drifts.
2 Even snow cover, state of ground unknown, no drifts.
3 Snow cover moderately uneven, ground frozen, slight drifts.
4 Snow cover moderately uneven, ground soft, slight drifts.
5 Snow cover moderately uneven, state of ground unknown, slight drifts.
6 Snow cover very uneven, ground frozen, deep drifts.
7 Snow cover very uneven, ground soft, deep drifts.
8 Snow cover very uneven, state of ground unknown, deep drifts.

58
Code – 20
S5 – Drift snow.

Code Figure
0 Drift snow close to the ground (upto 20 cm) without snow falling.

reduced
Visibility

by drift
1 Drift snow close to the ground (upto 20 cm) with snow falling

not
2 Drift snow near to the ground (20 – 150 cm) without snow falling
3 Drift snow near to the ground (20 – 150 cm) with snow falling
4 Drift snow, slight or moderate, without snow falling
5 Drift snow, slight or moderate, with snow falling
6 Drift snow, moderate or heavy without snow falling
7 Drift snow, moderate or heavy with snow falling
8 Drift snow, heavy, impossible to observe whether snow is falling
or not.
9 Violent drift snow.

Code – 21
S’5 – Evolution of drift snow

Code Figure

0 Drift snow ended before the hour of observation.

1 Intensity diminishing.
2 No change.
3 Intensity increasing.
4 Continues, apart from interruption lasting less than 30 minutes.
5 General drift snow has become drift snow near the ground.
6 Drift snow near the ground has become general drift snow.
7 Drift snow has started again after an interruption of more than 30 minutes.

Code – 22
s s - Depth of fresh snow or total depth of snow.

Code Figure mm Code Figure mm

00 0 48 480
01 10 49 490
02 20 50 500
03 30 51 510
04 40 52 520
05 50 57 700
06 60 58 800
07 70 59 900
08 80 60 1,000
09 90 61 1,100
10 100 62 1,200
11 110 63 1,300

59
 12 120 64 1,400
13 130 65 1,500
14 140 66 1,600
15 150 67 1,700
16 160 68 1,800
17 170 69 1,900
18 180 70 2,000
19 190 71 2,100
20 200 72 2,200
21 210 73 2,300
22 220 74 2,400
23 230 75 2,500
24 240 76 2,600
25 250 77 2,700
26 260 78 2,800
27 270 79 2,900
28 280 80 3,000
29 290 81 3,100
30 300 82 3,200
31 310 83 3,300
32 320 84 3,400
33 330 85 3,500
34 340 86 3,600
35 350 87 3,700
36 360 88 3,800
37 370 89 3,900
38 380 90 4,000
39 390 91 1
40 400 92 2
41 410 93 3
42 420 94 4
43 430 95 5
44 440 96 6
45 450 97 Less than 1 mm
46 460 98 More than 4,000 mm
47 470 99 Measurement impossible or
inaccurate.

Code – 23
tw – Time of commencement of a phenomenon before the hour of observation.

Code figure Code Figure

0 0 to ½ hour 5 2½ to 3 hours.
1 ½ to 1 hour 6 3 to 3½ hours.
2 1 to 1½ hours. 7 3½ to 4 hours.
3 1½ to 2 hours 8 4 to 5 hours.
4 2 to 2½ hours. 9 5 to 6 hours.

60
Code 24
Tw – Variation of temperature during the period covered by W, associated with glaze or rime.

Code Figure
0 Temperature steady.
1 Temperature falling, without going below 0oC (32oF)
2 Temperature rising, without going above 0oC (32oF)
3 Temperature falling to a value below 0oC (32oF)
4 Temperature rising to a value above 0oC (32oF)
5 Irregular variation, oscillations of temperature passing through 0oC (32oF)
6 Irregular variation, oscillations of temperature not passing through 0oC (32oF)
7 Variation of temperature not observed.
8 Not allocated.
9 Variation of temperature unknown owing to lack of thermograph.

Code 25
Vb – Variation of visibility during the hour preceding the observation.

Code Figure Specification

0 Visibility has not varied (Sun * visible)
1 Visibility has not varied (Sun * visible)
2 Visibility has increased (Sun * visible) Toward direction Da
3 Visibility has increased (Sun * visible)
4 Visibility has decreased (Sun * visible)
5 Visibility has decreased (Sun * visible)
6 For coming from direction Da. Without
7 Fog has lifted without dissipating Regard to
8 Fog has dispersed. direction
9 Moving patches or banks of fog.

* Or sky (if sun is low), or moon or stars at night

Code – 26
Vs – Visibility seawards from a coastal station.
Code Figure Specification

0 Less than 50 m ( 55 yards)

1 50 m (75 yards )
2 200 m (220 yards )
3 500 m (550 yards )
4 1 km. (1,100 yards )
5 2 km (2,200 yards )
6 4 km (4,400 yards )
7 10 km (11,000 yards )
8 20 km (22,000 yards )
9 50 km (55,000 yards ) of greater

Note

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If the observed visibility is between two of the reportable distances as given in the table, the code figure
for the lower reportable distance is reported.

Code 27
RR – Amount of precipitation

R R in Code figure Amount of precipitation in mms

00 No rain
97 A little precipitation not measurable
91 0.1
92 0.2
93 0.3
94 0.4
95 0.5
96 0.6
01 0.7 to 1.5
02 1.6 to 2.4
03 2.5 to 3.5
04 3.5 to 4.4
05 4.5 to 5.5
06 5.6 to 6.4
… ….
… …
10 9.6 to 10.4
… ….
…. ….
54 53.6 to 54.4
55 54.5 to 55.5
56 55.6 to 64.9
57 65.0 to 75.0
58 75.1 to 84.9
59 85.0 to 95.0
60 95.1 to 104.9
.. …..
… ….
89 385.0 to 395.0
90 395.1 to 400.0
98 More than 400.0
99 Measurement impossible or inaccurate

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