How should a forecast stating "CHANCE OF RAIN 60 PERCENT" be interpreted?

Interpreting a forecast that states "CHANCE OF RAIN 60 PERCENT" revolves around understanding probabilities in meteorological terms. The correct interpretation indicates that, at any given location within the forecast area, there is a 60% likelihood that rain will occur. This means that if similar conditions were experienced multiple times, rain would be expected to fall in 60 out of 100 instances.

This understanding focuses primarily on the point probability of rain occurring in specific locations rather than speaking about areas or guaranteed coverage. The misconception that may arise from the other interpretations hints at broader or different probabilities, such as blanket coverage of the area, rain consistently falling over half of an area, or inferring specific timing related to the forecast period, which do not align with the standard meteorological communication of probability.