How are wind direction and speed typically presented in METARs?

• A. Wind direction and speed are presented as a wind group like 23112KT.
• B. Wind is reported as a temperature value only.
• C. Wind is reported in miles per hour only.
• D. Wind is not included in METARs.

Answer: (A)

Wind direction and speed in METARs are shown together in a wind group. The direction is the origin of the wind, given in degrees from 0 to 360, and the speed is in knots, with the KT unit appended. For example, 23112KT means wind from 231 degrees at 12 knots. If gusts occur, a gust value is added after the main speed, like 23112G18KT. If the wind direction is variable, you’ll see something like VRB08KT, indicating variable direction with a representative speed. This compact format is how METARs encode wind; other formats such as reporting wind as temperature, or in miles per hour, aren’t used in METAR wind groups.