Final answer:
Stable air is characterized by poor visibility due to minimal vertical air movement and potential fog and cloud formation, alongside steady precipitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of stable air include a tendency to resist vertical motion, which generally leads to poor visibility due to the lack of air mixing and the possible formation of fog and clouds. When precipitation occurs, it is usually steady because the stable air results in uniform and consistent weather conditions. However, stable air can also lead to the build-up of pollutants and other particulates, which may further reduce visibility.
Since one of the major factors affecting visibility and precipitation patterns is the condition of the air, whether it is stable or unstable, understanding these characteristics is crucial in forecasting weather. Stable air is associated with high-pressure systems and less turbulent atmosphere. The presence of fog and haze can compound the poor visibility in stable air conditions. On the contrary, unstable air encourages convection and leads to varied and possibly severe weather events with intermittent precipitation.