In a METAR, what does "VCTS" indicate?

In a METAR report, "VCTS" stands for "Vicinity Thunderstorm." This term is used to indicate that thunderstorms are occurring in the vicinity of the reporting station, but not necessarily at its exact location. The "vicinity" typically refers to an area within 5 to 10 statute miles from the airport. This means that although thunderstorms may not be directly overhead, they are close enough that they could pose a hazard to aviation operations.

Understanding this term is important for pilots and air traffic controllers, as it alerts them to the potential for turbulent weather conditions associated with thunderstorms, such as gusty winds, lightning, and heavy precipitation that may impact flight safety and operations. The usage of "VCTS" helps convey vital information about weather conditions without needing to provide details about specific locations of storms.