Weather Tidbits: Virga

This Weather Tidbits will discuss about virga. Virga is the evaporation of precipitation from a cloud before it reaches the ground. This creates streaks and wisps at the base of the cloud. Virga occurs when the air near and at the surface is very dry. The precipitation usually needs to be light as well as heavy precipitation will saturate the air quickly. That saturation will allow for precipitation to reach the ground. If you see radar returns at your location but no precipitation is being observed, that means virga is occurring! The precipitation will eventually reach the ground if it lasts long enough and falls hard enough.