What is the primary purpose of a SPECI report?

A SPECI report serves a critical role in aviation meteorology by issuing special notifications of significant weather changes that may affect flight operations. This type of report is utilized when there are sudden or noteworthy alterations in weather conditions that require immediate attention, such as changes in visibility, wind patterns, or cloud cover. The primary intent is to keep pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation personnel informed of real-time weather developments that could impact safety and operational efficiency.

In contrast, routine updates on weather conditions are typically provided through METAR reports, which contain standard weather observations at regular intervals but do not capture sudden changes. Summarizing weekly weather statistics and conveying historical weather data are functions associated with other types of reports that do not provide immediate situational awareness necessary for flight operations. Therefore, the focus of the SPECI report on notifying users of immediate weather changes distinguishes its purpose within the aviation industry.