Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What does "SH" indicate in METAR observations?

1. Showers

2. Sleet

3. Snow

4. Heavy rain

The correct answer is: Showers

In METAR observations, "SH" stands for "showers." This notation is used to indicate intermittent precipitation, which can be rain or other types of liquid precipitation that falls in brief bursts. Showers are typically characterized by their variability in intensity, with periods of heavier rain followed by moments of lighter rain or even dry conditions. This distinction is crucial for pilots and meteorologists, as it can significantly impact flight operations and weather considerations. The other acronyms represent different weather phenomena. For instance, "SL" indicates sleet, which refers to frozen or semi-frozen precipitation. "SN" signifies snow, which is solid precipitation composed of ice crystals. Finally, "RA" is used for heavy rain. Each of these terms has specific criteria and conditions associated with them, and understanding these distinctions is vital for accurate weather interpretation in aviation.