How is PY used in a METAR report?

PY (Spray) appears in the weather phenomena section of a METAR. Examples include: PY, PY BR, +PY. It falls under the "Obscuration" category.

What METAR codes are related to PY?

Codes related to PY (Spray) include: BR (Mist), FG (Fog). These are often seen together in METAR weather observations.

Obscuration

PY—Spray

Q: What does PY mean in a METAR?

PY stands for "Spray" in a METAR weather report. Water droplets torn from the surface of a body of water by strong winds and carried into the atmosphere. Spray is typically reported at coastal stations or near large bodies of water during high-wind events. It can reduce visibility near the surface.

METAR weather code reference for PY (Spray)

What Does PY Mean?

Water droplets torn from the surface of a body of water by strong winds and carried into the atmosphere. Spray is typically reported at coastal stations or near large bodies of water during high-wind events. It can reduce visibility near the surface.

Examples in METAR Reports

Here are common ways PY appears in real METAR observations:

PY

PY BR

+PY

Related Codes

These METAR codes are commonly seen alongside PY or describe related weather phenomena:

Mist

Microscopic water droplets or wet hygroscopic particles suspended in the atmosphere, reducing visibility to between 5/8 of a mile and 6 miles. The abbreviation comes from the French word 'brume.' Affectionately known among pilots as 'baby rain,' BR is one of the most frequently reported obscurations and often accompanies low ceilings and stable air.

Fog

A visible aggregate of microscopic water droplets suspended at the earth's surface that reduces visibility to less than 5/8 of a statute mile. Fog is one of the most common causes of IFR conditions and flight delays. When visibility improves above 5/8 mile, the observation changes from FG to BR (mist).

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