Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 85
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Time Pressure
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Weather; Human Factors
Approximately 20 miles out from landing; ATC cleared us to cross a fix at 2;700 feet; and cleared us for the approach. About the same time Approach said a new ATIS was current. They did not say the new ATIS was. We checked it quickly and realized the visibility had gone right to CAT 1 minimums for our CAT 1 aircraft.I was the pilot flying in the left seat; first leg IOE. The Check Airman realized; after accepting the clearance; we could not make it. Due to ATC congestion; we could not get relief and did the best we could without making unnecessary power and configuration changes which would have likely destabilized the approach.I was unaware; due to being very busy with the ATIS change; and my newness; that the ATC chatter; etc.; that there was a hard altitude at the fix. Crossing the fix about 800 feet high; the Controller said 'I needed you at 2;700 feet.' I realized the error and told the Check Airman 'the fix is behind us so focus on the approach and we will talk about it on the ground.' We had a CAT 1 approach to fly; so we continued; landed and taxied to the gate. I discussed with the Check Airman what happened and decided to ASAP it.ATC should have been clearer. The dropping visibility was not forecasted; and when the ATC cut the new ATIS; with a drastic decrease in visibility; they should say it. Having to go to the FMC for the ATIS this late was unnecessary; they [should] read it on the frequency. [ATC needs] better spacing on the approach with less instructions clogging up the Approach frequency.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Air carrier crew confronted worse weather conditions during approach than forecast. The distraction with managing the approach to marginal weather at the airport resulted in an altitude deviation.