Llovizna: What is, consequences and difference with rain

The drizzle is a Light precipitation typecharacterized by the fall of small drops of water less than 0.5 mm in diameter and low intensity. This meteorological phenomenon is distinguished from rain in terms of intensity, drop size and accumulation of water, and is usually associated with low clouds, especially strata.

The strata are not dense enough to produce intense rain, so they release water in the form of fine drops, which fall slowly and without producing much noise. Llovizna is common in wet climates or transition seasons, such as autumn and spring, when the atmosphere is loaded with moisture.

The drizzle is more frequent in coastal areas, mountainous areas and in regions with oceanic or humid climates. In areas near the sea, moisture is high, and this is usually one of the key conditions for drizzle to form. That’s why, coastal cities or island areas They experience this type of precipitation regularly, especially in transition stations such as autumn or spring.

In the mountainous regions Llovizna is also common, especially when humid air rises when you meet the mountains, cools and condensed. This is known as a orographic effect and causes moisture to become small drops of water that fall lightly. Thus, mountainous areas such as the Andes, the Alps or the mountains of the west coast of North America usually register frequent drizzles.

The drizzle, although it seems a lower and less aggressive form of precipitation than the rain, has several notable consequences both in the natural environment and in everyday life:

• In vegetation and soil: Llovizna benefits plants and crops by providing moisture in a constant way and without causing erosion in the soil, since intense rain usually drags nutrients and damaging the structure of the earth. In addition, this type of precipitation helps maintain moisture in the soil and to refresh the plants without saturating them, being particularly useful in areas where excessive irrigation is not desired.
• Visibility and driving: One of the most immediate effects of drizzle is the reduction of visibility. The drizzle can also contribute to the pavement, especially asphalt, becomes more slippery due to a thin layer of water and road oils.
• Health and well -being: For people with respiratory problems, drizzle can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, humidity helps clear the air of dust and other allergens, improving air quality. However, the humid atmosphere can also intensify the growth of fungi and mold, affecting those who have allergies. In addition, moisture can make those who suffer from arthritis or other joint problems experience an increase in pain or discomfort.
• Outdoor activities: Although it is less annoying than a strong rain, the drizzle can affect the performance of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling or sporting events. Wet conditions can make the land slippery and that participants cool, especially if the temperature is low.

The difference between rain and drizzle lies in the intensity, the size of the drops and the amount of water that falls in each case. Let’s see what they differ in:

• Drop size: Llovizna drops are considerably smaller than rain. In general, drills of drizzle have a diameter less than 0.5 mm, while in regular rain the drops are usually larger, easily exceeding that size.
• Intensity and accumulation of water: The drizzle is much less intense than rain. Its rhythm of fall is slow and barely wets the surfaces, which makes the accumulation of water minimal.
• Duration and coverage: The drizzle tends to be constant and low intensity for longer periods, often covering large areas without significant interruptions. The rain, on the other hand, can occur at shorter and irregular intervals, and its intensity can vary considerably, from a slight rain to a strong storm.
• Atmospheric conditions: The drizzle is mainly associated with low clouds of the stratum type, which cover the sky evenly and usually have not enough height or density to form an intense rain. On the other hand, the rain is associated with both strata clouds and clouds clouds or cumulonimbos, which are dense and can produce heavy rains, thunderstorms and hail.

Although drizzle and fog are phenomena related to moisture in the air, they have notable differences in their formation, characteristics and effects on the environment:

• Training and composition: Llovizna is a form of precipitation in which small drops of water fall from the clouds to the surface, although very lightly. On the other hand, the fog is not a precipitation, but a cloud that forms near the ground. The fog consists of small water particles suspended in the air that do not fall to the ground in the form of drops, but remain floating, creating a dense layer that reduces visibility.
• Effects on visibility: The fog has a direct and significant impact on visibility. In cases of thick fog, visibility can be reduced to a few meters, which affects driving, navigation and any activity that requires a clear vision of the environment. The drizzle, although it can reduce visibility slightly, does not create a visual barrier as dense as fog and usually allow to see more distance.
• Height and density: The fog is formed at ground level and can cover extensive areas with a homogeneous and dense moisture layer. The drizzle, on the other hand, falls from low clouds and does not cover the ground with a visible layer of moisture in suspension, but deposits fine drops of water on the surfaces.

Now that you know what drizzle is, you may be interested in this article about horizontal rain: what is and where.

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