In a METAR report, what does a three-digit code for wind direction represent?

In a METAR report, a three-digit code for wind direction indeed represents wind direction in degrees. This format indicates the direction from which the wind is coming and is measured in degrees from true north. For example, a wind direction of 360 means the wind is coming from the north, while a wind direction of 180 indicates it is coming from the south.

Wind direction is crucial for flight operations as it helps pilots understand how wind will affect takeoffs, landings, and in-flight navigation. It is standard practice to use three digits to maintain clarity and uniformity in reporting, ensuring that even winds blowing from directions closer to the cardinal points (such as 10 degrees for north-northeast) are clearly recorded as a three-digit number.

In METARs, the wind speed and any gusts would be indicated separately, further clarifying the wind conditions without causing confusion with the direction. Elevation of the station is commonly provided in other parts of the report, but wind direction specifically is designated by that three-digit code, making it a critical element of the weather information provided in the METAR format.