How is significant weather different in a SURFACE report compared to a METAR?

The key difference that makes the selection correct lies in the emphasis on immediate hazards in SURFACE reports. These reports are designed to highlight significant weather phenomena that may affect operations, such as thunderstorms, icing conditions, or low visibility that are occurring at that moment. This focus provides pilots and operators with critical and timely information regarding current weather conditions that may pose a risk to safety.

In contrast, METARs provide a broader and more standardized overview of weather conditions at an airport or weather station, typically focusing on observed weather data at regular intervals. While METARs include some significant weather, they may not be as targeted in their reporting of immediate hazards as SURFACE reports.

The other options present a misunderstanding of the actual content and format of both reports. For example, stating there are no differences overlooks the specific purpose behind each report's creation. Similarly, the inclusion of forecasts in SURFACE reports does not accurately represent their function, as they primarily report current conditions. Finally, while METARs do include visible weather, SURFACE reports don't exclude this detail; their focus is just directed more towards highlighting immediate weather hazards.