"Surface conditions" refers to the current state or situation on the outer part or visible aspect of something. It focuses on the immediate and visible aspects rather than deeper or underlying factors. Full definition
He has three patents to his credit in the areas of passive sensing for road surface condition detection and protocols for mobile ad - hoc networks. (strandls.com)
Can factors other than heat, such as winds or ocean surface conditions, affect ice cover? (climate-resistance.org)
The winds at the time of the report were offshore which provides us with good surface conditions. (witchsrocksurfcamp.com)