What does “Chance Precip” mean at The Weather Channel per hour or per 15 minutes?
Definition: The probability of precipitation in a weather forecast is an estimate of the chance of a measurable amount of rain or snow falling anywhere in a given forecast region over the forecast period. Probabilities are given in 10 percent increments. POP is the probability of any particular point location within a forecast area receiving measurable precipitation in a given time period. POP is determined by two parameters: The probability that any precipitation will occur in forecast area AND predicted areal coverage of precipitation if precipitation does occur. Thus, areal coverage is just one aspect of POP. The chance that any measurable precipitation will occur in the first place within the forecast area must also be considered. When referring to POP it is most accurate to say, “There is a ___% POP that any particular measurement station in the viewing area will get precipitation”. For example, when averaged over many 30% POP days, a particular station should have precipitation 3
