How is isolated precipitation defined in terms of coverage?

Isolated precipitation refers to weather phenomena that occur over a limited area, specifically indicating that the precipitation affects less than 25% of the area in question. This term is important in meteorology because it helps pilots and forecasters understand the extent of weather impacts in a particular region.

When defining isolated precipitation with a threshold of less than 25%, it emphasizes that while some areas may experience rain or snow, the majority remain unaffected. This clarity is crucial for flight planning and safety, as pilots need to be aware of where conditions are favorable versus where isolated weather phenomena may present a hazard.

Other definitions of precipitation coverage, such as 25% to 50% or greater than 50%, signify more widespread weather conditions rather than isolated ones, which is fundamentally different from the intended definition of isolated precipitation.