The Weather Depiction Chart provides a broad overview of the observed flying category conditions at the valid time of the chart. It begins at 01Z each day, is transmitted at 3-hour intervals, and is valid at the time of the plotted data. Observations reported by both manual and automated observation locations provide data on weather conditions, including total sky cover, cloud height, visibility, and obstructions to visibility. A legend in the lower portion of the chart shows how to identify the following areas: 

VFR — ceiling greater than 3,000 feet and visibility greater than 5 miles; includes sky clear 

MVFR — ceiling 1,000 to 3,000 feet and/or visibility 3 to 5 miles inclusive

IFR — ceiling 500 to less than 1,000 feet and/or visibility 1 to less than 3 miles  

The weather depiction chart is an ideal place to begin preparing for a weather briefing and flight planning. From this chart, one can get a "bird's-eye-view" of areas of favorable and adverse weather conditions for the valid chart time.