METAR weather code reference for TS (Thunderstorm)
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.
Here are common ways TS appears in real METAR observations:
TSTSRA+TSRA GRThese METAR codes are commonly seen alongside TS 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).
Ice precipitation consisting of balls or irregular lumps of ice with a diameter of 5 mm (about 1/4 inch) or greater. Hail is associated with strong thunderstorms and poses a severe hazard to aircraft, capable of causing structural damage to airframes, windshields, and engines.
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.
A sudden increase in wind speed of at least 16 knots, the speed rising to 22 knots or more and lasting for at least one minute. Squalls are associated with thunderstorms and frontal passages. They can cause rapid changes in wind direction and speed, creating hazardous crosswind conditions for landing and takeoff.