Why does rainfall vary in lightness and heaviness from time to time?

Arab Weather - On some days, the rain falls quietly and gently, nourishing the earth effortlessly. While on other days, it comes heavily and violently in what meteorologists call "cloudbursts." During these storms, a person can feel like drowning in a heavy, wet towel, as these storms can flood low-lying lands and cause widespread destruction.

Explaining the difference between calm rain and severe storms

Jeffrey B. Halverson, professor of geography and ecosystems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, explains the reasons for this disparity in an article for The Conversation.

Rain is created by the combination of two basic elements: moisture in the air that collects in the form of clouds, and rising air currents. As the moist air rises, it cools and the water in it turns into tiny droplets, much like the vapor in your breath on a cold day. These droplets remain suspended in the air until they become heavy and fall as rain.

The effect of cold air on rainfall

In winter, cold air can hold much less moisture than warm air, resulting in thin, puffy clouds. Because cold air descends, it becomes difficult for rising air currents to lift it quickly, producing small raindrops that fall slowly, creating gentle, gentle rain.

severe thunderstorms

Severe rainstorms typically occur in the summer, when the air is saturated with moisture and rises very quickly, like a hot air balloon. The humid air contains five times as much moisture as winter clouds, creating huge, moisture-laden clouds. As the air currents are strong, the droplets swell until they become heavy and fall all at once, in what is known as a “cloudburst.”

Heavy rainfall amounts and possible consequences

Severe thunderstorms can drop one to three inches of rain (2.54 to 7.62 cm) in less than an hour, causing flash flooding that can overflow streams and rivers, submerge roads, and trap people in their locations.

Although winter storms are usually less violent, they can become severe, especially over warm ocean waters, where there is plenty of moisture. In such conditions, strong storms form that are similar to summer storms in terms of the intensity of the rainfall produced.

Each storm comes with its own unique characteristics, sometimes it can feel like you're taking a shower, while other times the rain is a gentle drizzle.

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Sources:

Australian Press + British Press