Precipitation

Water particles that fall from the atmosphere and reach the surface as rain, drizzle, snow, sleet, hail or related forms.

Precipitation develops when cloud droplets or ice particles grow heavy enough to fall. Its form depends on the temperature and moisture profile between the cloud and the surface, so it may change during descent.

For mariners, precipitation can reduce visibility, obscure navigation marks, affect radar performance and accompany squalls, fronts or thunderstorms. Intensity, duration and movement should be considered alongside the wider forecast.