Streaks of precipitation visible falling from a cloud base that evaporate completely before reaching the ground, common in arid and semi-arid regions where the air beneath a cloud is dry enough to absorb falling rain or snow long before it lands. Virga often appears as faint, wispy trails hanging beneath a cloud, and can occasionally produce a burst of cold, sinking air, sometimes contributing to the initiation of a downburst or microburst at the surface.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceStreaks or wisps of precipitation visible falling from a cloud base, evaporating before reaching the ground; can precede a microburst 1 PeriodicityCommon in arid and temperate climates, especially the Western United States, the Canadian Prairies, the Middle East, Australia and North Africa 2 Sources
1. NWS Glossary, VIRGA
Glossary entry, VIRGAQuote, Glossary entry, VIRGA
Streaks or wisps of precipitation falling from a cloud but evaporating before reaching the ground. In certain cases, shafts of virga may precede a microburst.
2. Virga, Wikipedia
Lead sectionQuote, Lead section
Virga is very common in deserts and temperate climates. In North America, it is commonly seen in the Western United States and the Canadian Prairies. It is also very common in the Middle East, Australia, and North Africa.
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