What does "PL" indicate on a METAR report?

In a METAR report, "PL" signifies "ice pellets." This term is used to describe a type of precipitation that consists of small, translucent balls of ice, which can occur during certain weather conditions, particularly when temperatures are near freezing. Ice pellets can have significant effects on aviation, as they can create hazardous conditions for takeoffs and landings due to their ability to form a slippery layer on runway surfaces.

Recognizing various weather phenomena in METAR reports is crucial for flight safety and operational planning in aviation. The specific coding used in METARs is standardized internationally, meaning that pilots and dispatchers can immediately understand the conditions being reported, including the presence of ice pellets as a relevant factor for flight operations.