If a METAR/SPECI reported "SHSN," what is the intensity of the precipitation?

The reported term "SHSN" in a METAR/SPECI stands for "showers of snow." When interpreting weather reports, particularly METARs, the intensity of precipitation is classified using specific keywords.

In meteorological terms, "showers" typically indicate that the precipitation has periods of varying intensity rather than being continuous. For snow showers, the intensity can be categorized more descriptively based on the visibility and impact on ground conditions. In this instance, snow showers are noted as moderate, as they lead to significant yet intermittent snowfall as compared to light or trace amounts. The classification aligns with typical standards used in aviation and meteorological reporting where moderate precipitation is expected to have a noticeable effect on visibility and surface conditions without reaching the thresholds of heavy snowfall.

Overall, this reasoning concludes that the intensity of precipitation indicated by "SHSN" is categorized as moderate.