ATPL Canadian Meteorology, Radio Aids to Navigation, and Flight Planning (SAMRA) Practice Test 2026 - Free ATPL Practice Questions and Study Guide

Virga refers specifically to precipitation, such as rain, that falls from a cloud but evaporates before it actually reaches the surface of the Earth. This phenomenon typically occurs in dry air where the moisture in the falling rain evaporates due to the lower humidity levels below the cloud. As a result, while clouds may appear to be producing precipitation, the rain does not make contact with the ground, giving rise to the appearance of trailing streaks beneath clouds. Understanding virga is important for interpreting weather patterns, especially during flight planning, as it can indicate specific atmospheric conditions above the surface.