Cryptic crossword clue
Rotten weather earlier, causing deadlock in conflict 5-3

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 plus 3 letter word STAND OFF

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
T
A
N
D
O
F
F

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "deadlock in conflict" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case deadlock in conflict = stand off.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does STAND OFF mean?

STAND OFF noun
  1. Fly-half
STAND OFF noun
  1. A device which maintains a fixed distance between two objects, especially between a surface and a sign or electrical wiring.
  2. A deadlocked confrontation between antagonists (see stand off and verb below).

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