Drizzle is a form of precipitation consisting of small water droplets. Drizzle has a definition based on its rate of fall. Drizzle occurs under certain atmospheric conditions. Drizzle differs from other types of precipitation in its intensity and droplet size. Understand drizzle’s characteristics to distinguish it from rain and weather phenomena.

Drizzle drops measure less than 0.5 mm in diameter and fall at 0.1-0.5 m/s. Rain drops exceed 0.5 mm (0.02 inch) in diameter and fall at 2-9 m/s.

Drizzle forms when stratus clouds produce precipitation. Water droplets fall from low clouds in a veil. Warm air rises and creates a low-pressure area near the ground. Cool air becomes trapped underneath, forming a cold air wedge. Clouds develop at altitudes below 2,000 meters (6.562 ft) due to atmospheric conditions. Weak updrafts within clouds release small water droplets, which fall to the ground as drizzle.

Drizzle produces light to moderate rainfall from low clouds. Drops fall at 0.3-3 mm/h (0.012-0.118 inch), with accumulation reaching 3-13 mm/h (0.118-0.512 inch) over time. Rainfall volume ranges from trace amounts to 10 mm (0.394 inch) per hour. Meteorologists classify drizzle as a form of precipitation distinct from rain and thunderstorms. Weather forecasters use the term “drizzle” to describe continuous light rain with a flow of water droplets.

Colombia experiences 234 days with drizzle, ranking highest in drizzle days. São Tomé and Príncipe follows with 210 drizzle days, while Tuvalu ranks third with 190 drizzle days. Papua New Guinea experiences 165 drizzle days per year. São Tomé and Príncipe encounters 200-220 drizzle days due to its tropical marine climate. Tuvalu experiences 180-200 drizzle days per year, influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Papua New Guinea faces 150-180 drizzle days, with East New Britain province experiencing up to 200 drizzle days.

What is drizzle in weather?

Drizzle is light precipitation of water drops falling from low-hanging clouds. Drops have diameters less than 0.5 mm (0.02 inches). Drizzle produces a mist of liquid water. Drizzle drops move in wavelike motions, invisible to the naked eye. Precipitation rates are below 1 mm/hour (0.04 inches/h).

Drizzle rain has a precipitation rate less than 1 mm/h (0.04 inches/h). Drizzle drops measure less than 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) in diameter. Drizzle drops are spaced 1-2 centimeters (0.4-0.8 inches) apart. Drizzle weather is associated with overcast skies, fog, and mist. Level stratiform clouds like stratus and stratocumulus produce drizzle. Drizzle weather has cloud bases below 2,000 feet.

Drizzle reduces visibility to 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) or less. Drizzle forms in stable atmospheric conditions with light winds. Temperature inversion causes drizzle to form when cool air is trapped under warm air. Drizzle enters the atmosphere as a type of precipitation when water vapor becomes too heavy to remain suspended in air. Drizzle summons a sense of dampness, creating a feeling of wetness.

What is the difference between drizzle and rain?

Drizzle and rain differ in drop size and intensity. Drizzle drops measure less than 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) in diameter, falling at 0.1-0.5 m/s. Rain drops exceed 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) in diameter, falling at 2-9 m/s. Drizzle consists of tiny drops falling slowly, while rain comprises small to large drops falling faster. Scientists measure drop size using calipers for diameter measurement.

The difference between drizzle and rain is explained in the table below.

Aspect Drizzle Rain
Droplet Size 0.1 to 0.5 mm (mean diameter: 0.3 mm) 0.5 to 5 mm or more (mean diameter: 1.5 mm)
Falling Speed 0.1 to 0.3 m/s (average: 0.2 m/s) Up to 9 m/s (average: 4.5 m/s)
Intensity Less than 1 mm/h (average: 0.5 mm/h) Exceeds 10 mm/h (average: 20 mm/h)
Associated Cloud Types Low-level stratus clouds (base height: 0-2 km) Cumulus (base height: 0-6 km), stratocumulus (base height: 0-2 km), and nimbostratus clouds (base height: 2-5 km)
Visibility Less than 1 km (average: 500 m) Less than 0.5 km (average: 200 m)
Duration Hours (average: 6 hours) to days (average: 2 days) Minutes (average: 30 minutes) to a few hours (average: 2 hours)
Feeling on Skin 0.1-0.3 mm/s ( gentle mist) 1-5 mm/s (forceful drops)
Impact on Surfaces Wets surfaces evenly (0.1-0.5 mm/h) Creates puddles and run-off (1-10 mm/h)
Contribution to Rainfall Contributes 10-30% of annual rainfall in drizzle-prone regions Immediate high contribution (50-90% of annual rainfall)
Effect on Sunlight Reflection Creates grayish light (albedo: 0.6-0.8) Creates darkening effect on surroundings (albedo: 0.2-0.4)

How does drizzle form?

Drizzle forms when stratus clouds produce precipitation of water droplets. Droplets fall from low clouds, in a uniform veil. Fog or low-lying clouds near the ground enhance drizzle formation.

Warm air rises and creates a low-pressure area near the ground, while cool air becomes trapped underneath, forming a cold air wedge. Clouds develop at altitudes below 2,000 meters due to these atmospheric conditions. Weak updrafts within these clouds release small water droplets, which fall to the ground as drizzle. Drizzle drops have diameters smaller than 0.5 millimeters (0.02 inches) and fall at rates less than 1 millimeter per hour (0.04 inches/h).

Stratiform clouds produce uniform and steady light precipitation, while stratocumulus clouds generate drizzle from cloud formations. Drizzle differs from rain and snow in droplet size and precipitation intensity. Drizzle enters the atmosphere through droplet accretion and summons weather conditions with low clouds and atmospheres. Drizzle weather features steady light precipitation and reduced visibility.

Is drizzle dangerous?

Drizzle is not dangerous in situations. Drizzle with intensity less than 1 mm/h (0.04 inches/h) poses risks to safety. Drizzle up to 5 mm/h (0.2 inches/h) requires increased caution due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces. Drizzle safety concerns arise when visibility drops below 1 km (0.6 miles) for pedestrians and cyclists. Slippery surfaces from drizzle increase fall risks, especially on smooth or uneven terrain. Drizzle wind exacerbates safety issues when gusts exceed 30 km/h (19 mph). Winds combined with drizzle lead to reduced visibility and increased stopping distances for vehicles.

Drizzle risks differ based on circumstances and activities. Road safety is impacted by drizzle conditions. Rain or drizzle increases the risk of fatal car accidents by 27-34% compared to dry conditions. The Federal Highway Administration reports drizzle reduces pavement friction by up to 30%. Outdoor activities face heightened dangers during drizzle weather. Wet surfaces from drizzle pose fall and injury risks for participants. Drizzle makes outdoor electrical equipment susceptible to damage.

Drizzle danger varies depending on location and associated weather patterns. Coastal areas and mountainous regions experience drizzle, accompanied by winds. Drizzle in mountainous areas raises landslide and rockfall dangers. Drizzle leads to flash flooding in some circumstances. Freezing drizzle creates hazards for aircraft and road surfaces. Supercooled water droplets build up ice on airframes, degrading aircraft performance and safety.

What does steady drizzle mean?

Steady drizzle produces light to moderate rainfall from low clouds. Drops fall at 0.3-3 mm/h (0.01 to 0.1 inch per hour). Accumulation reaches 3-13 mm/h (0.1 to 0.5 inch per hour) over time. Rainfall volume ranges from trace amounts to 3 mm/h (0.1 inch per hour) to 10 mm per hour (0.4 inch per hour).

Steady drizzle provides moisture levels in the atmosphere, creating a damp environment. Precipitation rate remains constant throughout the duration of drizzle. Overcast weather conditions accompany steady drizzle, with low-hanging clouds producing this type of rainfall in parts of the world. Coastal areas and regions with high atmospheric moisture experience steady drizzle.

Meteorologists classify steady drizzle as a form of precipitation, different from rain or thunderstorms. Weather forecasters use the term “steady drizzle” to describe continuous light rain with a flow of water droplets. The term “steady drizzle” encompasses light rainfall that drizzles without interruption.

What countries have the most drizzle in a year?

Colombia experiences 234 days with drizzle annually, ranking highest. São Tomé and Príncipe ranks second and experiences 210 drizzle days. experiences 190 drizzle days and ranks third. Papua New Guinea follows with 165 drizzle days per year. World Meteorological Organization data covers the 1981-2010 period.

The countries with the most drizzle in a year are listed in the table below.

Country Average Drizzle Days Per Year Notable Regions Annual Rainfall (mm)
Colombia 234 Chocó (270 days in Quibdó), Caldas (240 days in Manizales) 2,042 (Quibdó), 1,745 (Manizales)
São Tomé and Príncipe 210 São Tomé Island (215 days), Príncipe (195 days) 1,044 (São Tomé city), 934 (Santo António)
Tuvalu 190 Funafuti (195 days), Nanumea (185 days) 3,500 (Funafuti), 3,200 (Nanumea)
Papua New Guinea 165 East New Britain (205 days in Kokopo), West New Britain (180 days in Kimbe) 4,800 (Kokopo), 4,200 (Kimbe)

São Tomé and Príncipe ranks second, encountering 200-220 drizzle days. The tropical marine climate of São Tomé and Príncipe contributes to the occurrence of drizzle. São Tomé island receives more drizzle than Príncipe, with some areas averaging over 150 drizzle days per year.

Tuvalu experiences 180-200 drizzle days per year on average. The country’s tropical marine climate and the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone contribute to drizzle formation. Tuvalu’s wet season occurs from November to April, with the capital Funafuti recording an average annual rainfall of 3,500 mm (138 inches).

Papua New Guinea experiences 150-180 drizzle days per year. The East New Britain province faces 200 drizzle days, while the West New Britain province experiences 180 drizzle days. Papua New Guinea’s geography creates microclimates contributing to drizzle formation, with some areas receiving over 140 drizzle days per year.