Definition
A scheduled, continuous radio broadcast of meteorological information for aircraft in flight, transmitted on assigned HF or VHF frequencies under ICAO standards. The broadcast contains current weather reports (METARs), forecasts (TAFs), and significant meteorological information (SIGMETs) for selected aerodromes, repeated on a fixed schedule so pilots can tune in at any time during a flight to obtain weather without making a direct request.
Plain English
A radio station that constantly reads out current weather and forecasts for major airports, on a set schedule, so pilots flying long distances can simply tune in and listen instead of calling anyone.
Context Anchor
Pilots may use a Volmet broadcast during international, oceanic, or remote-area flights when they need weather information without making a direct request to a controller.
Derivation
From the French aviation terms 'vol' (flight) and 'meteo' (weather, short for meteorologie). The name was adopted internationally because France and other European states played a central role in early ICAO weather broadcast standards. Knowing the origin makes it easier to remember what the broadcast contains: flight weather, nothing more.
Why Pilots Care
It supplies timely weather updates that support route decisions and safety without occupying ATC frequencies.
Analogy
Like a 24-hour radio weather channel for pilots: it just keeps playing on a loop, and you tune in when you need it.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a Volmet broadcast as a conversation or a clearance. It is a one-way weather broadcast for pilots to listen to.
Example Sentence 1
Crossing the North Atlantic, the crew tuned the HF radio to Shannon Volmet to get the latest weather for their destination and alternates.
Example Sentence 2
During the oceanic crossing the pilot listened to the VOLMET broadcast for any changes in destination conditions.