Plain English Meaning

The mountains are there, but you can't see them because clouds, fog, rain, or haze are blocking the view.

Full Definition

A weather condition in which mountains or mountainous terrain are hidden from view by clouds, precipitation, fog, haze, smoke, or other visibility-reducing phenomena, even when the surrounding lower terrain may still be visible.

Context Anchor

Seen in aviation weather forecasts and briefings, especially when planning a route near ridges, passes, or higher terrain.

Derivation

‘Obscuration’ comes from the Latin obscurare, meaning to darken or hide. In weather terms, it refers to anything in the that hides what's behind it. So mountain obscuration literally means the mountains are hidden from view.