METAR weather code reference for DZ (Drizzle)
Very fine, uniformly dispersed liquid precipitation with droplets smaller than 0.5 mm in diameter. Drizzle typically falls from stratus clouds and indicates stable atmospheric conditions with low ceilings. Freezing drizzle (FZDZ) is especially hazardous for aircraft.
Here are common ways DZ appears in real METAR observations:
-DZDZ BRFZDZThese METAR codes are commonly seen alongside DZ or describe related weather phenomena:
Liquid precipitation in the form of water droplets greater than 0.5 mm in diameter. Rain is the most commonly reported precipitation type in METARs and can be combined with intensity modifiers (- for light, + for heavy) and descriptors like SH (showers) or FZ (freezing).
Microscopic water droplets or wet hygroscopic particles suspended in the atmosphere, reducing visibility to between 5/8 of a mile and 6 miles. The abbreviation comes from the French word 'brume.' Affectionately known among pilots as 'baby rain,' BR is one of the most frequently reported obscurations and often accompanies low ceilings and stable air.
A visible aggregate of microscopic water droplets suspended at the earth's surface that reduces visibility to less than 5/8 of a statute mile. Fog is one of the most common causes of IFR conditions and flight delays. When visibility improves above 5/8 mile, the observation changes from FG to BR (mist).
Indicates that liquid precipitation is freezing upon contact with surfaces at or below 0 degrees Celsius. Freezing rain (FZRA) and freezing drizzle (FZDZ) are among the most dangerous weather conditions for aircraft, causing rapid ice accumulation on wings, control surfaces, and engine inlets. Freezing fog (FZFG) deposits rime ice on exposed surfaces.