What information is provided as the first group in wind data in a METAR report?

In a METAR report, the first group in wind data indeed provides the wind direction expressed in tens of degrees. This means that if the wind is coming from 090 degrees, it indicates an easterly wind, whereas 270 degrees would indicate a westerly wind. The format uses three digits, where 000 represents winds from true north and goes clockwise around the compass.

Understanding this format is critical for aviation operations since knowing the wind direction allows pilots to make informed decisions regarding takeoffs and landings, considering factors such as runway orientation. The wind data in a METAR report typically also includes speed and gusts, but these values appear after the initial wind direction information. Thus, the first group serves as a primary indicator of wind direction, setting the context for all subsequent wind-related data in the report.