Definition
In aviation weather reports, SS is the contraction used in METAR and SPECI reports to indicate a sandstorm — a weather phenomenon in which strong surface winds lift large quantities of sand into the air, significantly reducing visibility.
Plain English
SS is the code used in weather reports to mean a sandstorm — strong winds blowing sand through the air thickly enough to block visibility.
Context Anchor
Seen in coded airport weather reports in the present-weather part of the report.
Derivation
SS is simply taken from the first letters of sand and storm. METAR uses two-letter contractions for many weather phenomena (BR for mist, FG for fog, DS for duststorm), and SS follows that same pattern.
Why Pilots Care
Sandstorms sharply reduce visibility and can damage engines and windshields, forcing pilots to delay or divert flights.
Grounding Statement
Picture a dry, windy area where sand fills the air enough that the horizon and runway start to fade from view.
Intuition Check
SS does not mean seconds or a runway marking here. In aviation weather reports, SS means sandstorm.
Example Sentence 1
The METAR included +SS, indicating a heavy sandstorm at the field.
Example Sentence 2
Controllers advised the approaching flight of SS conditions and suggested an alternate route.