METAR weather code reference for VC (Vicinity)
Indicates that the weather phenomenon is occurring in the vicinity of the airport, generally between 5 and 10 statute miles from the station, but not at the airport itself. Common examples include VCTS (thunderstorm in the vicinity) and VCSH (showers in the vicinity). Vicinity weather may move toward the airport and warrants monitoring.
Here are common ways VC appears in real METAR observations:
VCTSVCSHVCFGThese METAR codes are commonly seen alongside VC or describe related weather phenomena:
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.
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).
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).