Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Last Updated: 9:11 PM GMT on May 24, 2013 — Last Comment: 3:39 AM GMT on May 25, 2013

	Virga

Posted by: JeffMasters, 3:07 PM GMT on May 26, 2005

The photo below posted today, titled, "Strange clouds" is an example of virga. Virga (also called fallstreaks) are wisps or streaks of rain or ice crystals precipitating out of a cloud, which evaporate before hitting the ground. Virga falling from high clouds made of ice crystals frequently angle back from the parent cloud, as seen in the photo below, "Sunset Virga". This happens because the winds at cloud level (where the jet stream can be) are usually higher than the winds closer to the surface. However, the photo "Wispy downward trend" shows virga falling from a cloud where the winds at cloud level and below are the same.

Sunset Virga

This photo was uploaded by: jadnash

A nice display of virga at sunset.

Strange clouds

This photo was uploaded by: Jellybeans

Photo taken in the Czech Replublic while on holday.

Wispy downward trend

This photo was uploaded by: WeatheringHeights

This cloud almost looks like a tornado, but it was virga ... I think.

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1. SandiaVan 4:02 AM GMT on June 04, 2005
Now I'll be able to spell "Virga" correctly. Very common here in the southwest. (See attached photo) Thanks for the Blog. Van Member Since: April 16, 2002 Posts: 0 Comments: 1

2. SandiaVan 4:05 AM GMT on June 04, 2005
Hmm, the link didn't work. Here is the pic: http://www.wunderground.com/wximage/myphotos.html?number=75&handle=SandiaVan Member Since: April 16, 2002 Posts: 0 Comments: 1

3. Topcat22 10:17 PM GMT on June 08, 2005
I saw the great photo of "marshmallow" clouds on the site, and then saw these clouds live and in person the next day. What is the significance (if any) of these clouds? Member Since: September 9, 2001 Posts: 0 Comments: 0

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