In the context of column 9 (Present Weather), when is lightning reported?

In the context of column 9 (Present Weather) of aviation weather reporting, the information reported reflects prevailing weather conditions that affect flight operations. Lightning is a significant weather phenomenon, but it is not included as a stand-alone report in this column.

The purpose of column 9 is to indicate conditions that are currently impacting visibility and safety, and while lightning can certainly be a part of an overall weather picture, it is not reported specifically. Instead, if lightning is accompanied by other significant weather phenomena, such as thunderstorms, that broader condition may influence the reporting. Thus, any mention of lightning within aviation weather reports generally occurs in conjunction with the broader description of thunderstorms rather than as a direct report in column 9.

This approach allows pilots and meteorologists to focus on the most severe weather elements that might impact flight safety, rather than reporting every occurrence of lightning, which often would be frequent and widespread. It simplifies the data presented and emphasizes more critical factors that could influence aviation operations. Therefore, stating that lightning is never reported in column 9 correctly reflects the conventions used in aviation weather reporting.