How does a METAR indicate the presence of icing conditions?

The indication of icing conditions in a METAR is primarily linked to significant weather phenomena, which is often detailed in the remarks section of the report. When icing is a concern, it is reflected through mentions of weather conditions such as "light rain," "light snow," or "freezing drizzle," which directly contribute to icing potential.

The temperature and dew point can indicate the potential for moisture, and while they are important for understanding the atmosphere's state, they do not specifically highlight icing conditions. Flight visibility focuses more on how far one can see, which is not directly indicative of icing. Wind direction can affect icing by influencing how moisture is transported, but it does not provide explicit information about the presence of icing itself. Therefore, significant weather noted in the remarks section is the most direct way to assess the likelihood of icing conditions in a METAR report.