In weather forecasting, PoP stands for Probability of Precipitation. This term is often presented as the "chance of rain" or "chance of precipitation" in forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.
Understanding Probability of Precipitation
The Probability of Precipitation (PoP) indicates the likelihood of precipitation (rain, snow, etc.) occurring at any given point in the forecast area. It doesn't tell you how much rain will fall or the duration, just the probability of it occurring.
- PoP is expressed as a percentage.
- A higher percentage indicates a greater chance of precipitation.
Example
The National Weather Service issues forecasts that include a "PoP" statement, often expressed as the "chance of rain" or "chance of precipitation."