The wind direction shown in a METAR is defined relative to which north?

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Multiple Choice

The wind direction shown in a METAR is defined relative to which north?

Explanation:
Wind direction in METAR is referenced to true north (geographic north). This provides a fixed, universal reference for weather observations worldwide, since magnetic north shifts with location and time. Using true north avoids the need to constantly update observations for magnetic variation. So a wind from 180 degrees means it’s coming from due south relative to geographic north, regardless of local magnetic variation. Magnetic north or magnetic bearing wouldn’t offer the same stable standard for METAR data.

Wind direction in METAR is referenced to true north (geographic north). This provides a fixed, universal reference for weather observations worldwide, since magnetic north shifts with location and time. Using true north avoids the need to constantly update observations for magnetic variation. So a wind from 180 degrees means it’s coming from due south relative to geographic north, regardless of local magnetic variation. Magnetic north or magnetic bearing wouldn’t offer the same stable standard for METAR data.

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