On Tuesday, an intriguing atmospheric event caught the attention of Havana's residents as they witnessed rain streaks that never made contact with the ground. This phenomenon is known as virga, or "phantom rain," a rare and fascinating meteorological occurrence.
Cuban expert Henry Delgado Manzor shared on social media that these rain formations begin at the base of a cloud but evaporate before reaching the earth due to dry air conditions. "Virga appears vertically or obliquely and occurs when the water content in the cloud is low or when a very dry layer exists between the cloud and the ground," he explained.
This phenomenon is typically observed in the summer, especially in regions where the air close to the surface is extremely dry, yet sufficient moisture at higher altitudes allows cloud formation. It can be seen in various cloud types, including Cirrocumulus, Altocumulus, Cumulonimbus, or Nimboestratus.
An image illustrating this event, taken by Enrique González Santaballa in Havana, quickly captured the curiosity of online users. According to Delgado, these "phantom rains" serve as a reminder of the complexity of atmospheric processes and how clouds, beyond their allure, help us understand the island's climate dynamics.
In recent weeks, Cuban citizens have been amazed by several atmospheric phenomena, from skies painted in colorful hues to stunning air funnels. In Matanzas, an iridescence phenomenon revealed multicolored reflections among Cirrocumulus clouds, caused by sunlight scattering through ice crystals at high altitudes. This occurrence, also explained by meteorologist Henry Delgado Manzor, sparked excitement on social media.
Shortly after, a lightning storm lit up Havana's sky, providing spectacular images captured by photographer Miguel Kosta. This event elicited both wonder and concern due to the increasing frequency and intensity of similar occurrences across the nation.
In Mantua, Pinar del Río, residents were astonished when two waterspouts formed simultaneously in the sky. The images displayed one vertical and one diagonal spout, adding to other similar sightings in various parts of the country, such as the Havana Malecón and the Isle of Youth.
Understanding Atmospheric Phenomena in Cuba
What is virga or "phantom rain"?
Virga, or "phantom rain," refers to rain streaks that originate from a cloud but evaporate before reaching the ground, due to dry air conditions below the cloud.
Why is virga more common in summer?
Virga is more common in summer because the air near the ground is often dry, while higher altitudes still have enough moisture for clouds to form.
What causes the iridescence phenomenon in clouds?
The iridescence phenomenon in clouds is caused by the scattering of sunlight through ice crystals at high altitudes, resulting in multicolored reflections.