Periods of rain refer to instances of precipitation where rain is expected to occur intermittently, meaning it will start and stop throughout a specific timeframe. This isn't a steady, continuous downpour, but rather a showery pattern. The National Weather Service (NWS) uses terms like "occasional," "periods of," or "intermittent" to describe these precipitation events which have a high probability (80% or more) of occurring but will be of an "on and off" nature.
Understanding the Term "Periods of Rain"
The phrase "periods of rain" signifies a forecast where rain is likely, but not consistently. This contrasts with a forecast predicting "steady rain" or "continuous rain." Think of it like this:
- Periods of rain: Rain will fall for a while, then stop, then start again later in the predicted period. This can happen multiple times.
- Steady rain: Rain falls continuously without significant breaks.
Several sources confirm this understanding:
- The National Weather Service: Clearly defines the term's meaning in relation to probability and intermittent nature.
- Weather forecasts: Frequently use the phrase "periods of rain" to communicate the likelihood of showers rather than a constant rainfall. Examples include the forecast from LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) which predicted "Periods of Rain" in conjunction with severe storms (https://www.lcra.org/severe-storms-possible-friday-and-saturday-periods-of-rain-forecast-through-sunday/).
- Weather-related advisories: Many sources utilize "periods of rain" in alerts and advisories, such as those related to traffic closures due to inclement weather (http://mdta.maryland.gov/blog-category/mdta-traffic-advisories/tropical-storm-debby-expected-bring-winds-rain-maryland).
Examples of Scenarios Using "Periods of Rain"
- A summer afternoon: A forecast might predict "periods of rain and thunderstorms" indicating scattered showers and storms throughout the afternoon.
- A multi-day weather system: A longer-term forecast might mention "periods of rain" across several days, implying rain will be present at times but not continuously.
- Impact on activities: Knowing it's "periods of rain" helps plan outdoor activities—allowing flexibility to adjust plans based on the intermittent nature of the rain.
