What is indicated by the symbol "+" in a weather report?

The symbol "+" in weather reports signifies heavy intensity precipitation. This indicator is used to communicate to pilots and meteorologists that the precipitation is significantly more intense than regular or light precipitation levels, which are often indicated by a simple dot or absence of a symbol. The "+" symbol helps ensure that aircraft operations can be adjusted accordingly due to the potential impacts of heavy rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation on visibility, runway conditions, and overall flight safety.

The use of standardized symbols like this helps in conveying crucial weather information quickly and effectively, which is essential in aviation for making timely operational decisions. Understanding this helps pilots and flight crew adequately prepare for the conditions they might encounter during takeoff, landing, and flight.