The plus symbol in weather reports signals heavy precipitation and shapes flight planning.

Outline

• Quick opening: weather symbols fly fast in the cockpit; one symbol you’ll see is the plus sign.

• What the plus sign means: heavy intensity precipitation; contrast with light or no precipitation.

• Why it matters: how heavy precipitation changes visibility, runway conditions, and flight performance.

• How it fits into LAWRS and common reporting: METAR/SPECI shorthand, the role of symbols, and how pilots use them with other data.

• Practical implications: what a crew might do—adjust approach planning, consider alternate routes, monitor updates, and coordinate with air traffic control.

• A few helpful reminders: cross-check with radar, PIREPs, and weather charts; watch for changes.

• Closing thought: recognizing and interpreting these cues is part of staying ahead in the weather game.

What the plus sign actually tells you

Let’s start with the core idea, plain and simple. The plus symbol in weather reporting signals heavy intensity precipitation. It’s a quick, at-a-glance cue designed for fast comprehension. In aviation, where split-second decisions matter, that little plus tells you to expect precipitation that’s arriving with more force than the usual rain, snow, or drizzle.

Now, how does that differ from other signals? Often, a simple dot or the absence of a marker implies light precipitation or no precipitation at all. The plus is a blunt amplifier—it says, “this is not a light shower; it’s the kind of precipitation that can reduce visibility quickly or affect flight surfaces.” Think of it as the weather report waving a bright flag that says, “heavy stuff ahead—watch your timing and expectations.”

Why heavy precipitation matters to pilots and crews

Heavy precipitation isn’t just about wetter skies. It reshapes the entire flight picture. Visibility can plummet, even if the ceiling looks decent. Runway conditions can shift from wet to slick or snow-packed in moments, affecting braking action and rollout distances. Snow and rain don’t just fall; they accumulate, melt, refreeze, and create micro-conditions you have to manage on approach and during landing.

Here’s the thing: the plus sign is part of a bigger weather picture. It works in concert with visibility numbers, cloud layers, wind, and temperature. A pilot listening to that plus symbol plus a visibility reading can gauge how aggressively to sequence an approach, what minimums might be acceptable, and whether a hold or diversion should be in the cards if conditions deteriorate.

How this fits into LAWRS-style reporting and aviation weather

Lawful, standardized communication is the lifeblood of flight operations. In many aviation weather reporting systems, symbols like the plus are used to convey intensity quickly. The plus indicates heavy intensity precipitation, while reports may also describe the type of precipitation and its likely impact. This shorthand helps pilots and meteorologists share a common understanding fast, even when air traffic control and dispatch teams are juggling multiple tasks.

When you see the plus in a report, it’s natural to cross-check with the rest of the weather package: wind direction and speed, visibility, cloud cover, and any remarks about icing, turbulence, or convective activity. The idea is to assemble a complete weather picture, not rely on a single clue. A strong plus signal combined with low visibility and a snowy environment, for example, might steer a pilot toward higher approach minima or a short holding pattern to buy time for a safer landing.

A practical lens: what heavy precipitation does in the cockpit

• Visibility: heavy rain or snow can sever the line of sight to runway markings. The runway environment becomes harder to discern, especially at night or in low-contrast conditions.

• Runway contamination: rain can make the surface slick; snow and slush can alter braking performance. The plus symbol is a heads-up that you should expect surface friction to be degraded.

• Aircraft performance: high precipitation rates can affect airspeed indicator readings, pitot-static systems, and even engine performance in certain conditions. While modern cockpits are resilient, anticipating these effects helps keep a flight plan on track.

• Navigation timing: if precipitation is heavy for a portion of the route or during the approach, it might influence timing for descent, speed management, and turn coordination.

How crews use this cue with other weather data

No single symbol tells the full story. A good crew treats the plus as a piece of a larger puzzle. They’ll weigh it against:

• Visibility readings and ceiling height

• Current and forecast winds aloft

• Temperature and dew point spread (for icing risk)

• Precipitation type and trend (rain, snow, sleet, hail)

• Radar echoes and satellite trends

• PIREPs (pilot reports) from other aircraft in the area

Together, these data points help determine if an approach should be continued, delayed, or redirected. It’s not about panic; it’s about disciplined risk assessment and timely planning. That’s the backbone of safe operations in stormy conditions.

A few real-world analogies to keep in mind

• Imagine driving on a highway with heavy rain. You slow down, increase following distance, and stay alert for hydroplaning. The plus in aviation weather is a similar signal for heavier, more unpredictable precipitation ahead—so adjust your “speed” and “planning distance” accordingly in the flight plan.

• Think of it as a volume knob. Light precipitation is a soft murmur; heavy precipitation is a loud signal that demands more careful listening and more conservative decision-making.

Common questions pilots and observers have about this symbol

• Is the plus sign always about rain? Not at all. It indicates heavy intensity precipitation in general, which can be rain, snow, hail, or other forms. The exact type is usually described separately, but the plus flag tells you intensity, not the kind.

• Does heavy intensity always mean bad weather? It increases risk, yes, but it doesn’t guarantee failure. It means heightened awareness, more conservative planning, and stronger reliance on complementary data.

• Can I rely on the symbol alone? Preferably not. Use the plus in concert with visibility, wind, ceiling, and radar data. A single symbol is a clue, not a verdict.

• How often does this change during a flight? Weather evolves. Updates come in bursts, so staying current with new reports and PIREPs is part of good flight discipline.

Tips to stay sharp when you see a plus sign

• Cross-check early and often. Let the plus prompt you to pull up the latest METAR/SPECI data, radar images, and nearby PIREPs.

• Watch the trend. Is the weather intensifying or easing? A rising trend with the plus could mean a quick temporary hold or re-routing.

• Communicate clearly. If you’re in command of the cockpit, announce the plan to your crew and maintain a shared mental model with air traffic control.

• Plan alternatives. When heavy precipitation is in play, have a preferred alternate airport and a plan for landing minimums that won’t catch you off guard.

• Don’t rely on memory alone. Keep a quick reference handy for what symbols represent and how they interplay with other weather parameters.

A little more color on how pilots digest these signals

Pilots aren’t just reacting to symbols; they’re reading the entire weather tapestry. The plus sign is like a weather headline—short, punchy, and urgent enough to prime the crew for deeper dives into the forecast. The real skill lies in weaving that headline into a clear, actionable plan: how to descend, what speed to hold, when to ask for a go-around, and whether to switch runways or airports.

And yes, on the ground, dispatchers and meteorology teams love these signals too. They help coordinate cloud breaks, runway readiness, and fuel planning. The faster everyone recognizes a heavy precipitation cue, the smoother the operational tempo can stay—even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Closing thought: reading the signs to stay one step ahead

In aviation weather reporting, little symbols carry big weight. The plus sign for heavy intensity precipitation is a beacon that helps crews prioritize safety and efficiency. It’s not a guarantee, but it is a strong nudge to re-check, re-evaluate, and re-communicate your plan.

If you’ve spent time with LAWRS-style weather data, you know how critical it is to read the whole picture, not just one marker. The plus is a vital part of a broader dialogue between pilots, dispatchers, meteorologists, and ATC. When you learn to interpret it in context—with visibility, wind, radar, and real-time reports—you build a resilient approach to weather that serves you in the cockpit and beyond.

In the end, weather literacy isn’t a one-and-done skill. It’s a habit—curious, precise, and a tad practical. And if a plus sign ever catches your eye in a briefing, you’ll know it’s telling you to respect the weather, adjust your plans, and keep your eyes on the sky.