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Look at this METAR:

KLOU 151553Z 21005KT 10SM CLR 13/M01 A3044 RMK AO2 SLP309 T01281011 $

What does the dollar sign mean?

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    $\begingroup$ It means that they need to spend some money to fix whatever is broke on the automated reporting station! $\endgroup$
    – Ralph J
    Nov 15, 2015 at 23:32
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    $\begingroup$ @RalphJ That's actually a great mnemonic! $\endgroup$
    – Pondlife
    Nov 16, 2015 at 13:09

1 Answer 1

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A maintenance indicator sign, $, is included when an ASOS/AWSS (Automated Surface Observing System / Automated Weather Sensor System) detects that maintenance is needed on the system.

Reference: http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/JO%207900.5C.pdf

Or if you need an easy way to remember it, courtesy of the awesome Ralph J:

It means that they need to spend some money to fix whatever is broke on the automated reporting station!

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    $\begingroup$ To improve the answer, it would be nice if you could resolve the ASOS and AWSS abbreviations, please. $\endgroup$ Nov 15, 2015 at 21:02
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    $\begingroup$ ASOS = Automated Surface Observing System; AWSS = Automated Weather Sensor System. These are nicely described at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated_airport_weather_station $\endgroup$
    – Adam Wilt
    Nov 16, 2015 at 3:43
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    $\begingroup$ Another appropriate reference for this would be the "Aviation Weather Services" advisory circular. $\endgroup$ May 2, 2016 at 23:58

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