Plain English Meaning
What the weather is actually doing right now along your route — not what it's expected to do later.
Full Definition
In a weather briefing, the portion that describes the weather happening right now along the proposed route of flight, including reported ceilings, visibilities, winds, precipitation, and any hazardous weather already occurring. It is distinct from the forecast portion, which describes expected weather, and from adverse conditions, which highlights anything that might cause the flight to be cancelled or rerouted.
Context Anchor
Used during a standard preflight weather briefing when the pilot is getting the latest reported weather before deciding how to plan or conduct the flight.
Why Pilots Care
Gives an immediate picture of actual weather so the pilot can decide if is safe and how it compares to the forecast.