In weather reporting, what does "mist" typically indicate in terms of visibility?

The term "mist" in weather reporting indicates a reduction in visibility generally ranging from 1 to 2 miles. Mist occurs when high humidity or very light precipitation causes small water droplets to be suspended in the air. This condition typically leads to some impaired vision without significant obstructions, keeping visibility within this defined range.

Understanding this terminology is crucial for pilots, as visibility directly impacts flight operations, including takeoff, landing, and navigation. It's important to recognize that other terms, like "fog," would indicate even lower visibility levels, underscoring why "mist" is specifically linked with a visibility range of 1 to 2 miles.