Virga
Virga is rain or snow that falls from a cloud but evaporates before reaching the ground.
Full definition of Virga →:: COMPARE ::
VirgavsPraecipitatio
The short answer
Praecipitatio is the cloud supplementary feature for precipitation that DOES reach the ground; virga is its counterpart for precipitation that doesn't. The dividing line is literally whether it lands.
Side by side
| Aspect | Virga | Praecipitatio |
|---|---|---|
| Reaches the ground | No | Yes |
| Visible as | Hanging streaks | Shafts to surface |
| Cools the air | Yes | Less |
| Hazard flag | Yes | No |
What each one means
Praecipitatio
The contrast above sets out how Praecipitatio differs from Virga on the points that actually matter.