将一个变量分隔为4

I am calling nodes from XML <observation_time>2014-02-19T22:56:00Z</observation_time> with a line that looks like $lasobs_time=$lasxml->data->METAR->observation_time;. That line of code works like a champ, and I am able to INSERT INTO my database just fine.

I am wondering if there is a way to turn the observation_time: 2014-02-19T22:56:00Z in to more than 4 fields/variables I would be able to work with a little better; Maybe $obsyear: 2014 $obsmonth: 02 $obsday: 19 $obstime: 2256 UTC.

Would explode be the best option? How would I go about it?

date_parse_from_format() should do the trick.

$date     = date_parse_from_format("Y-m-d\TH:i:sT", $lasxml->data->METAR->observation_time);
$obsyear  = $date["year"];
$obsmonth = $date["month"];
$obsday   = $date["day"];
$obstime  = "$date[hour]$date[minute]";