In TAFs, what does "BECMG" indicate?

In TAFs, the term "BECMG" indicates a gradual change in weather conditions expected at an airport over a specified period. This term is used to signify that the meteorological situation is not static and will transition from one condition to another rather than experiencing immediate or sudden changes.

When you see "BECMG" in a TAF, it is typically followed by a description of the new anticipated weather conditions, such as visibility, wind direction, or precipitation type, along with the time frame over which this change will occur. This is important for pilots and flight planners as they need to anticipate how conditions may evolve throughout their flight operation timeframe.

The other choices do not accurately capture the meaning of "BECMG." A sudden shift in weather would imply a rapid change rather than the gradual transition that "BECMG" specifies. A short-term forecast does not align with the concept of gradual change and is more related to the duration of the forecast itself. Lastly, a stable weather pattern contradicts the purpose of "BECMG," which inherently suggests that the weather will be changing.