What is virga best described as?

Virga is best described as streamers of precipitation that evaporate before reaching the ground. This phenomenon occurs when rain or other forms of precipitation fall from clouds but encounter dry air, causing the droplets to evaporate mid-air rather than making it to the surface. It is often visible as streaks hanging from the cloud base, and it can occur with various types of clouds, particularly cumulonimbus.

This definition highlights the unique aspect of virga, emphasizing the evaporation process that distinguishes it from other precipitation types. It also helps understand why the appearance of virga can sometimes be misleading, as it may appear that rain is falling, but in reality, the ground remains dry.