By Simon Eugster (talk · contribs) – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
In meteorology, a virga is rain falling from a cloud that evaporates before reaching the ground. At high altitudes the precipitation falls mainly as ice crystals before melting and finally evaporating. The phenomenon is very common in deserts, where low humidity and high temperatures can cause rain to evaporate shortly after being released by clouds. You might see virga in the U.S. West and above the Canadian Prairies, in the Middle East, Australia and North Africa.
This photography has been taken on July 14th, 2016, over the Gulf of Fréjus (French Riviera), at sunset time. The rain is lighted by the sunset (coming from the left of the view) and goes back to vapor before it can reach the sea. – By Philippe Maurisset – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Public Domain, Link
Sunset and virga in Elko, Nevada – By Famartin – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Some Virga clouds (Cumulus or Altocumulus) taken in Tyresta – By Simon A. Eugster – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Virga during sunset in Elko, Nevada – By Famartin – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
By Simon A. Eugster – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Virga over the Napa-Sonoma Marsh in California – By Msannakoval – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Snow Virga captured just before sunrise in Omaha, NE – By Stephen Richart(Lord138 (talk)) – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Public Domain, Link
By Greg Willis from Denver, CO, usa – Round Tower and Virga, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
A new word to me, thanks! 🙂