Which type of precipitation indicates the presence of supercooled water?

Freezing rain is a type of precipitation that indicates the presence of supercooled water. This phenomenon occurs when raindrops fall through a layer of air that is below freezing temperatures but remain in liquid form due to the absence of nucleating agents required for ice formation. When these supercooled droplets come into contact with surfaces that are at or below freezing, they instantly freeze upon impact, forming a layer of ice.

In contrast, the other forms of precipitation mentioned are less associated with supercooled water. Wet snow consists of larger snowflakes that can contain some liquid water but do not signify the same conditions as freezing rain. Ice pellets, also known as sleet, form when raindrops freeze into small pellets during their descent through freezing air, rather than being supercooled. Light drizzle usually consists of small, liquid drops, typically from warm air masses, and does not involve supercooled water. Therefore, freezing rain is specifically linked to the presence of supercooled water, making it the correct choice.