What does the remark VIS 1/4V2 indicate in a METAR report?

The indication "VIS 1/4V2" in a METAR report signifies that visibility is variable between 1/4 statute miles and 2 statute miles. The format used here is a concise way to express that the visibility is not steady at a single value but rather ranges between two specific measurements.

In the case of visibility reports, the first number before the 'V' indicates the lower limit of visibility, while the number after 'V' represents the upper limit. Therefore, with "1/4V2," it communicates that conditions may fluctuate within this interval, offering pilots critical information about potential visibility changes they might encounter during their operations. This understanding is paramount for safety and planning in aviation, as visibility conditions directly affect flight operations.

The other options do not accurately convey the variability indicated by the report, focusing too much on fixed values or incorrect ranges that do not exist within standard METAR terminology.