METAR weather code reference for SA (Sand)
Larger particles of sand raised by the wind to moderate heights, reducing visibility. Sand is coarser than dust and typically stays closer to the surface. Blowing sand can cause engine damage, windshield abrasion, and significant visibility restrictions at airports in desert regions.
Here are common ways SA appears in real METAR observations:
SABLSA+SS SAThese METAR codes are commonly seen alongside SA or describe related weather phenomena:
Fine particles of earth or other matter raised from the ground by wind and suspended in the atmosphere. Widespread dust reduces visibility and is most commonly reported in arid regions. Dust events can cause significant restrictions to visibility and affect engine performance.
Similar to a dust storm but involving heavier sand particles. Sandstorms reduce visibility below 5/8 of a mile and are prevalent in desert regions. The larger particles tend to stay closer to the surface but can cause serious damage to aircraft surfaces and engines.
A severe weather condition in which strong winds lift large quantities of dust into the atmosphere, reducing visibility to less than 5/8 of a mile. Dust storms can develop rapidly and create near-zero visibility conditions. They are most common in arid and semi-arid regions.
Weather phenomenon raised by the wind to heights of 6 feet or more above the surface, significantly reducing visibility. Commonly used with snow (BLSN), dust (BLDU), and sand (BLSA). Blowing snow is especially hazardous because it can create whiteout conditions and make it impossible to distinguish the horizon or runway edges.