What does the term "AUTO" signify in a weather report?

The term "AUTO" in a weather report indicates that the observation was taken by automated equipment without any human intervention. This means that all data regarding temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and other meteorological parameters have been captured and reported solely by instruments, such as weather sensors and stations, that provide real-time data. These automated observations help ensure a consistent and prompt collection of weather information, especially important in aviation for safe operations.

The distinction is crucial as it reflects the reliability and standardization of the data collected automatically. While some observations may be manually logged (which is not indicated by the "AUTO" designation), the automated readings can play a significant role, particularly in areas with limited human resources or in real-time situations where immediate data is essential for decision-making in air traffic management and safety.