METAR weather code reference for SH (Shower(s))
Precipitation characterized by sudden beginning and ending, and rapid changes in intensity. Showers fall from cumuliform (convective) clouds and tend to be brief but can be intense. Shower-type precipitation often includes intermittent heavy bursts separated by lighter periods. Common combinations include SHRA (rain showers) and SHSN (snow showers).
Here are common ways SH appears in real METAR observations:
SHRASHSN-SHGSThese METAR codes are commonly seen alongside SH 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).
Frozen precipitation in the form of ice crystals, most often occurring as snowflakes. Snow significantly reduces visibility and is a primary concern for aircraft icing, runway contamination, and braking action. Often reported with intensity modifiers.
A convective storm producing lightning and thunder. In METAR reports, TS indicates that thunder has been heard at the station within the observation period. Thunderstorms are among the most dangerous weather phenomena for aviation, bringing turbulence, wind shear, hail, heavy rain, and microbursts.
Small hail (graupel) or snow pellets less than 5 mm in diameter. These ice pellets form when supercooled water droplets freeze onto snowflakes. Less damaging than full hail but still indicates convective activity and potential for icing conditions.