Definition
An automated graphical weather product that depicts the location, altitude, and intensity of icing conditions occurring at the present time. It is generated by combining surface observations, pilot reports, satellite data, radar data, and numerical weather model output to produce a three-dimensional picture of where aircraft icing is likely happening right now.
Plain English
A weather chart that shows where ice is forming on aircraft at this moment, at what altitudes, and how bad it is. It is built by a computer that pulls together many sources of weather information and turns them into one easy-to-read picture.
Context Anchor
Seen during aviation weather briefings and preflight planning, especially when clouds, precipitation, and freezing temperatures may affect the route.
Derivation
Called "current" because it shows icing happening now, as opposed to the related Forecast Icing Product, which predicts icing in the hours ahead.
Why Pilots Care
It helps pilots avoid or prepare for icing that can reduce lift, increase drag, and affect aircraft performance or safety.
Grounding Statement
If an aircraft flies through visible moisture where the temperature is below freezing, ice may form on the aircraft, and this product helps show where that risk exists now.
Intuition Check
“Current” does not mean electrical current or air current here. It means the product describes icing conditions near the present time.
Example Sentence 1
Before her morning flight through the mountains, she checked the Current Icing Product and saw moderate icing reported between 8,000 and 12,000 feet.
Example Sentence 2
The updated Current Icing Product indicated moderate rime icing between 6,000 and 10,000 feet, so the pilot requested a higher altitude.