CAPE
A model measure of atmospheric instability and thunderstorm fuel — shown as a badge in the METAR block, and tagged "model · not observed" because it isn't part of the observation.
A small CAPE badge appears in the METAR block showing Convective Available Potential Energy in joules per kilogram (J/kg). This is not part of the METAR observation; it is a model value keyed to the facility location and the current hour, and is tagged "model · not observed". (Source and licensing are covered under Data sources.)
The badge only appears when CAPE is Moderate or higher — weak instability isn't flagged. When shown, it is color-tiered by the conventional instability scale:
- Moderate — 1000 to 2500 J/kg.
- Strong — 2500 to 4000 J/kg.
- Extreme — 4000 J/kg and above.
These thresholds are a rough, season- and location-dependent guide, not a severe-weather trigger: high CAPE indicates potential for convection, not a guarantee of it, and low CAPE does not rule out hazards. No badge is shown when CAPE is weak (under 1000 J/kg) or unavailable for a location.