What does VCSH indicate in weather observations?

The abbreviation VCSH stands for "Visibility Showers," indicating that there are showers occurring in the vicinity of the observation point. This term is used in meteorological observations to inform forecasters and pilots about precipitation that is close to the reporting location but may not be directly impacting the area at the time of the observation.

Using VCSH in reports helps in understanding weather conditions that could affect visibility and safety, especially for aviation and outdoor activities. While other options may sound plausible, VCSH specifically refers to the presence of showers nearby rather than describing cloud conditions or variability in weather. For instance, it doesn’t denote cloud cover, which would require different terminology, nor does it indicate variability in the weather itself. Thus, the key point of VCSH is its focus on the proximity of precipitation.