Heavy or very heavy rates of rainfall will clearly have a detrimental impact upon general visibility. However, in addition to any true meteorological reduction of visibility, raindrops impacting the windscreen/canopy will additionally reduce visibility.

Precipitation affects aviation through reduced visibility, reduced lift, and compromised runway traction. Heavy rain can obscure a pilot's view during the critical approach and landing phases. Snow and freezing rain are even more dangerous, as ice accumulation on wings and tail surfaces changes the shape of the airfoil, which significantly reduces lift and can lead to an aerodynamic stall. This is why planes must be "de-iced" with special fluids before takeoff in winter. On the ground, standing water, slush, or ice on the runway can lead to hydroplaning, where the tires lose contact with the pavement, making braking and steering difficult. Furthermore, extreme precipitation can lead to "engine flameout" if the water ingestion rate exceeds the engine's capacity to process it, though modern jet engines are tested to handle incredible volumes of water. In 2026, advanced weather radar and automated landing systems help mitigate these risks, but heavy weather remains a primary cause of flight delays.