How often is a TAF reissued for forecasts valid less than 12 hours?

A TAF, or Terminal Aerodrome Forecast, is a weather forecast specifically for the area around an airport, providing information crucial for flight operations. The reissuance frequency of a TAF is particularly important for maintaining accurate and up-to-date weather information for pilots and air traffic controllers.

When a TAF is issued for a forecast period that is less than 12 hours, the standard practice is to reissue it every 3 hours. This frequent update allows for timely adjustments to the forecast as the weather conditions evolve. Given that weather can be unpredictable, especially in short forecast windows, having a 3-hour update cycle ensures that the information reflects the latest conditions, thus promoting safety and operational efficiency in aviation.

This frequency helps in accommodating rapid changes in weather patterns that could affect flight operations, ensuring that crews have the best possible information to make decisions regarding takeoffs, landings, and routing in the vicinity of airports.