What is the purpose of a TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)?

The Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is specifically designed to provide a short-term weather forecast for the vicinity of an airport. This forecast typically covers a period of 24 to 30 hours and includes critical information such as expected wind speed and direction, visibility, weather conditions (like rain or fog), and significant changes in weather that might impact flight operations.

The primary aim of the TAF is to inform pilots and air traffic controllers about conditions relevant to aviation operations in the airport area, allowing for better flight planning and safety decisions. This makes the TAF an essential tool in aviation, as it delivers concise and targeted information that directly affects flights in the vicinity of an airport.

The other options do not align with the specific purpose of a TAF. Long-term weather predictions are supported by different forecasting methods and reports, current weather observations are typically provided in METAR reports, and detailed weather patterns across multiple regions are better represented in broader meteorological analyses or synoptic charts rather than in the specific forecast that a TAF provides.