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How small can a raindrop be?

Published in Raindrop Size 1 min read

The smallest a raindrop can be is quite small, specifically as small as drizzle, and can measure as little as 0.00004 ml or Ø 0.2 to 0.5 mm in diameter.

Raindrops aren't all the same size. Their size can vary based on several atmospheric factors, including cloud type and conditions.

Understanding Raindrop Sizes

Here's a breakdown to give you a better idea:

  • Drizzle: These are very small raindrops, as mentioned, and often are not accurately measured by standard rain gauges because of their size. According to the AMS glossary of meteorology, the size of drizzle is 0.00004 ml or Ø 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

  • Typical Rain: Regular raindrops fall within a more moderate size range.

  • Large Raindrops: In contrast, torrential downpours, particularly in tropical regions, can create significantly larger raindrops. These can reach sizes of up to 2 ml or Ø 8 mm in diameter.

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