What does the suffix "FZDZ" represent in weather reporting?

The suffix "FZDZ" in weather reporting specifically indicates freezing drizzle, which refers to light precipitation that falls in the form of small, supercooled droplets that freeze upon contact with surfaces, creating a glaze of ice. This atmospheric condition typically occurs when the air temperature is below freezing, yet the drizzle itself has not yet solidified into ice.

Understanding this term is crucial for pilots, meteorologists, and anyone involved in aviation, as freezing drizzle can significantly impact aviation operations and safety due to the potential for icy runway conditions and reduced visibility.

The other options, while they may seem plausible, do not accurately represent the prefix. Freezing rain, for instance, typically results in a heavier accumulation of ice, whereas heavy fog describes a visibility condition with no direct relation to precipitation form. Frost, on the other hand, refers to the crystallization of water vapor at cold temperatures but does not involve precipitation. Thus, "FZDZ" is exclusively linked to the phenomenon of freezing drizzle.