Which weather condition is characterized by 'FZRA'?

The term 'FZRA' specifically refers to freezing rain, and in the METAR code, 'FZ' denotes freezing, while 'RA' stands for rain. Therefore, 'FZRA' indicates that rain is falling, but the temperature is at or below freezing, causing the rain to freeze on contact with surfaces, creating a layer of ice.

This weather condition can lead to hazardous travel and infrastructure issues due to ice accumulation on roadways, power lines, and other surfaces. Real-life scenarios where 'FZRA' might be reported include winter weather events where rain occurs during sub-zero temperatures, leading to the formation of ice.

Understanding this coding is vital for interpreting METAR reports accurately, particularly when assessing winter weather and its potential impacts on aviation and transportation.