Re: Why does rain fall in 'sheets' when a steady wind is blowing?

Here's an answer formulated with a big assist from Jeff Waldstreicher, Science and Operations Officer of the National Weather Service Office in Binghamton, NY: (Thanks, Jeff!)

"Regarding the question of rain falling in 'sheets' I think this term is more a subjective description based on a visual perception rather than the effects of physical process. The rain may appear to be "clustering" as it falls (resulting in the sheet-like appearance) for a number of reasons that could include:

1. Variations in rainfall intensity." (Steve: that is, in any widespread area of rain, there are heavier and lighter rain cells; as they move past, the rate of rainfall will vary quite sharply).

"2. Raindrops with differing fall speeds (usually a result of different size drops)" (Steve: again, an intensity-driven effect).

" 3. The wind is very rarely steady, especially as speeds increase. There is usually some moment to moment variability. Also, even if the wind appears fairly steady at ground level, the wind the raindrops are falling through to reach the ground can have substantial chances in both speed and direction.

I hope this helps."

Me, too.

Steve Czarnecki