In METAR, what does "RA" signify?

In METAR, "RA" signifies rain. This is a standard aviation meteorological abbreviation used in weather reports to quickly convey the presence of rain at the reporting station. When included in a METAR report, it indicates not only that it is raining but also helps pilots and flight personnel understand current weather conditions that may affect aviation operations.

Understanding this coding is important for interpreting METAR reports, as they are concise and full of abbreviations that convey critical weather information in a compact format. Knowing that "RA" stands for rain allows those in aviation to prepare for potential impacts on visibility, runway conditions, and overall safety during operations.

The other options do not accurately reflect commonly used METAR abbreviations. For example, while the rainfall amount may be a critical part of weather information, it is not designated by the "RA" code. Likewise, rapid air movement, while relevant to aviation safety, has no specific abbreviation like "RA". Lastly, statements about accuracy in readings are not represented by any specific METAR code. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective weather interpretation in aviation contexts.