What does TAF stand for in aviation weather?

TAF stands for Terminal Aerodrome Forecast. This is a critical component in aviation as it provides detailed and specific weather forecasts for the area around an airport to aid in flight planning and safety. TAFs are typically issued for 24 or 30-hour periods and include information on expected wind, visibility, significant weather events, and cloud cover, which are crucial for pilots and air traffic control to make informed decisions regarding flight operations.

The term encompasses the forecast for both the takeoff and landing phases of a flight, making it especially relevant for determining weather conditions that could impact the aircraft during these critical times. The other options, while they might sound plausible or refer to weather-related terminology, do not accurately capture the meaning and purpose of TAF in the context of aviation weather forecasting.