Which of the following best describes PIREPS?

PIREPS, or Pilot Reports, are invaluable real-time observations provided by pilots regarding in-flight weather conditions. They serve to share firsthand information about weather phenomena that may not be captured by conventional meteorological instruments or stations. This includes details about turbulence, cloud cover, visibility, wind, and atmospheric phenomena encountered during flight.

This data helps other pilots and meteorologists make better-informed decisions about flight safety and operational planning. PIREPS are particularly important because they offer subjective pilot perspectives on the current state of the atmosphere, which is instrumental for flight operations considering that conditions can change rapidly.

The other options do not accurately define PIREPS. For instance, climate information is generally based on forecast models and statistical data, which are distinct from real-time observations. Summarizing meteorological data over hours pertains more to weather reports or summaries rather than individual pilot experiences at a specific time and place. Reporting sea surface temperatures is a separate meteorological function, typically associated with marine or coastal weather observations and unrelated to PIREPS, which focus on flying conditions.