In weather reporting, what does "WHSFT" indicate?

The designation "WHSFT" in weather reporting specifically indicates that there has been a "wind shifted" event. This term is used by meteorologists and aviation weather report services to inform pilots and air traffic controllers of changes in wind direction that can have implications for flight operations.

Understanding this notation is crucial, as wind shifts can significantly affect aircraft performance, especially during takeoff and landing phases. Pilots rely on accurate weather reports to adjust their flight paths and ensure safe operations in changing weather conditions.

While the other options may seem related to wind and weather phenomena, they do not correspond to the standard abbreviation recognized in meteorological reports. "Wind height shift," for example, would pertain to vertical movement of wind, which is not what WHSFT denotes. Similarly, "Weather shift" is too broad and not specific to wind conditions, and "Wind shift frequency" suggests a measurement over time rather than an immediate report of a shift. Therefore, the correct choice effectively communicates a specific and critical change in wind that could impact aviation safety.