Date of Issue:			11/10/98		Effective Date:		11/5/98
In Reply Refer To:				W/OM12	File With:	D-30
Subject:	Transcribed Weather Broadcast Text Products
References:		WSOM Chapter D-30, Transmittal Issuance 97-4, dated July 8, 1997

Effective November 5, 1998, at 0000 UTC, the code for ice pellets is being changed in the United States from "PE" to "PL". This change is in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) change to code for ice pellets in the international METAR and TAF codes, which also becomes effective on November 5, 1998, at 0000 UTC.

As a result of that change, NWS offices preparing Transcribed Weather Broadcast Text Products (TWEBs) are instructed to begin using the new code "PL" when referring

to ice pellets in TWEBs, effective November 5, 1998, at

0000 UTC.

No specific reference is made to ice pellets in WSOM D-30, Transmittal Issuance 97-4, dated July 8, 1997, so no page changes are required in association with this change.

/signed/

John J. Kelly, Jr.

Assistant Administrator

for Weather Services

WSOM-D-30-7-98