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AFMAN15-111 12 MARCH 2019 49
10.3.6.2. Sandstorms are encoded as SS, dust storms as DS. Report a moderate SS/DS
when visibility is reduced to less than 5/8 statute mile (1000 m) and greater than or equal
to 5/16 statute mile (0500 m) due to BLSA/BLDU. Report a +SS/+DS if visibility is less
than 5/16 statute mile (0500 m) due to BLSA/BLDU.
10.3.6.3. Well-developed sand or dust whirls are encoded as PO.
10.4. Present Weather Capabilities of an FBWOS. Using multiple sensors in conjunction,
FBWOSs can determine and report the proximity, type and intensity of precipitation as well as
obscurations and report up to three precipitation/obscuration groups.
10.4.1. For liquid precipitation, the FBWOS determines intensity from particle size and fall
velocity through the sensor field. For snowfall, the minimum intensity is based on the reported
surface visibilities and may be reported higher than what is occurring due to other phenomena
that are reducing visibility.
10.4.2. When equipped with a working lightning detection capability, an FBWOS reports
thunderstorms as on station when cloud-to-ground lightning is detected within 5NM, in the
vicinity when detected between 5 and 10NM, and as a lighting distant remark in column 13
when detected between 10 and 30NM. See Table 10.3 for a list of the qualifiers, weather, and
obscurations reported by an FBWOS. Note: In addition to Table 10.3, the FMQ-23 can also
detect Hail (GR) and Ice Pellets (PL).
Table 10.3. Automated Present Weather Reporting.
10.5. Standards and Reporting. Unless specifically noted below, present weather will only be
reported in the body of the observation when it is determined to be occurring on station or in the
vicinity at the time of observation. (T-1). Other significant weather phenomena not on station
should be reported in the remarks section when it is determined to be operationally significant.
10.5.1. Up to three groups will be reported when augmenting or encoding manual
observations. Each group will have up to one intensity/proximity qualifier and/or descriptor
and up to three types of weather phenomena. (T-1).
