Wind Directions?

Jonnyb9040

New Member
Why are winds reported in true direction? It seems to me like magnetic would be much more logical. I would imagine it gets confusing in places such as Alaska where the variation is about 30 degrees. The winds on the metar could be reported directly down the runway, but you can still have up to a 30 degree crosswind.
 
Aren't all winds given in magnetic direction for in-flight radio communications (e.g. with ATC, EFAS)?

As far as take off and landing, I think most pilots either get wind info from ATC or a wind sock, since local topography (e.g. a basin or valley) can steer wind to a different direction from the forecast/reporting station.
 
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