Definition
Precipitation falling from a cloud that evaporates before reaching the ground. It appears on radar and is visible to the eye as wispy streaks trailing beneath the cloud base, but no rain or snow actually arrives at the surface.
Plain English
Rain or snow that falls from a cloud but dries up in the air before it ever touches the ground.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather discussions, ATC radar weather displays, and visually as streaks hanging below a cloud base.
Derivation
From Latin virga, meaning 'rod' or 'streak.' The name comes from the way the falling, evaporating precipitation looks from below — long, hanging streaks under the cloud, like rods reaching down toward the ground but not making it.
Why Pilots Care
Indicates strong downdrafts and possible wind shear that can affect aircraft performance near the surface.
Grounding Statement
Picture rain falling out of a cloud into very dry air and disappearing before it ever wets the ground.
Intuition Check
Do not assume visible falling precipitation means rain is reaching the ground. With virga, the precipitation is falling from the cloud but disappearing before it gets there.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot noted virga trailing from a cell to the west and chose to extend the downwind to avoid flying beneath it.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot diverted around the area of virga to avoid sudden changes in wind speed near the airport.