What is the Difference Between Rain and Drizzle?

The main difference between rain and drizzle lies in the size of the drops and their falling speed. Both rain and drizzle are types of precipitation, but they have distinct characteristics:

• Size of drops: Drizzle drops are smaller, with a diameter of less than 0.5 mm, while raindrops are larger.
• Falling speed: Drizzle drops fall much slower than rain drops.
• Intensity: Rain is generally heavier and faster, while drizzle is lighter and gentler.

Drizzle is typically associated with low-lying clouds like stratus and falls from nimbo-stratus clouds. In contrast, rain is associated with fronts and usually extends for hundreds to thousands of falling at much steadier rates. Visibility during drizzle is often better than during rain, as the droplets are smaller and lighter.

Comparative Table: Rain vs Drizzle

Here is a table that highlights the differences between rain and drizzle:

In summary, rain is characterized by larger drops that fall at a faster rate and with greater intensity, while drizzle consists of smaller droplets that fall more gently and are often accompanied by fog.