Definition
A form of precipitation characterized by snow falling from convective clouds (typically cumulus or cumulonimbus) at varying intensity over a short period, usually beginning and ending suddenly with rapid changes in visibility.
Plain English
Brief bursts of snow that start and stop quickly, falling from puffy convective clouds rather than from a steady overcast layer.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation weather reports, forecasts, and preflight weather briefings when winter precipitation may affect visibility, runway conditions, or flight planning.
Derivation
The word 'shower' comes from Old English 'scur,' meaning a brief fall of rain. In aviation weather, 'shower' specifically signals precipitation from convective (vertically developed) clouds, which produces sudden starts, stops, and intensity changes — distinct from steady precipitation falling from layered clouds.
Why Pilots Care
Sudden visibility loss and brief but slippery runway conditions can occur even when the event lasts only minutes.
Grounding Statement
A snow shower can move across an airport like a passing curtain of snow, briefly making the runway and horizon much harder to see.
Intuition Check
Do not read “showers” as meaning light or harmless. In aviation weather, showers means the precipitation may be on-and-off and can change quickly, including becoming heavy for a short time.
Example Sentence 1
The briefer warned of scattered snow showers along the route, with visibility dropping below three miles inside each one.
Example Sentence 2
While taxiing, the pilot waited as snow showers moved across the runway before beginning the takeoff roll.