Opening a BUFR File

The BUFR file type is primarily associated with bufr_decoder.

BUFR	File extension: BUFR
	File type:	binary encoded file

What is a BUFR file

BUFR files mostly belong to bufr_decoder. BUFR files are binary files that use the Binary Universal Form for Representation to store meteorological data.
They organize weather observations in a structured binary format that is not human readable.
Key details provided by FilExt.com:

They hold weather data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other parameters.

The format relies on descriptor tables to map numerical codes to real-world measurements.

Specialized decoding tools like bufr_decoder, bufr_dump, and BUFRDC are required to interpret the data.

This file structure is widely used by weather agencies for efficient data transmission and storage.
FilExt.com note: Few realize that any change in the descriptor tables may impact how the data is decoded.

How do you open BUFR files?

You need a suitable software like bufr_decoder to open a BUFR file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your BUFR file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a BUFR file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online BUFR Text Viewer

Choose your .bufr file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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Programs that open and convert BUFR files:

bufr_decoder
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. BUFR files are often referred to as bufr_decoder encodeds because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Binary Universal Form for the Representation
Meteorological Data

BUFR format details:

Each file has a definite file format, that is, how the stored data is arranged in the file. Often, the file format can be deduced from the file extension or the initial bytes (called the signature). However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. Exact knowledge of the format is therefore important in order to solve problems occurring in files. Our analysis of the BUFR files produces the following result:

BUFR is not a commonly used file extension and is primarily used by a single program. The two most popular formats are as follows:

75% of all BUFR files use the same file format, which have the signature BUFR. They consist of illegible, cryptic characters. BUFR files are between 500 bytes and 11 MB in size. The file type was created 10 years ago, but is still used today. The keywords BUFR are typical for these files. An example of a file name is T_IPRN21_C_LFPW_20180601.bufr or gdas.adpsfc.T00Z.20180601.bufr. Files like these have the following tags: lfpw, data, iprn, adpsfc, eodc, synop, paga and oper.
7% of all BUFR files use the same file format, which can be identified by the letters "IU" at the beginning. These files are binary files, so they do not contain text, but only cryptic characters. A typical file size is 1 KB. The following keywords are characteristic: BUFR. Files like these have the following tags: rjtd, vhhh and iucc.

All other BUFR files (18%) have different formats. Sometimes used for radar, egrr, meteofrance, awos, ipra, obsv or surf. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your BUFR file!

Technical Data for BUFR File Extension

File classification:

Encoded

Related files:

grib, grib2, nc, hdf, bufr_d, bufr4, bin, bfr, txt, dat

a bufr binary encoded file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with BUFR files

Associate the BUFR file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open binary encoded files. Because only the current version supports the latest BUFR file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available bufr_decoder update.
To make sure that your BUFR file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .BUFR file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.