What does "RA" mean in TAF context?

In the context of TAFs (Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts), "RA" stands for rain. TAFs use a series of standard abbreviations to convey weather phenomena expected at an airport, and "RA" specifically indicates precipitation in the form of liquid water droplets falling from the atmosphere to the ground, which is what is commonly understood as rain. This notation aids pilots and others in the aviation industry to anticipate weather conditions that can affect flight operations, such as visibility and runway conditions due to wet surfaces.

The other options represent different weather phenomena that have their distinct abbreviations: "SN" would denote snow, "FG" indicates fog, and "TS" refers to thunderstorms. Each abbreviation is crucial for conveying specific weather conditions, but "RA" is uniquely associated with rain.