Photos, video: A rare phenomenon known as virga was observed in the sky above Vinnytsia
A rare atmospheric phenomenon known as virga was observed in Vinnytsia, which local residents recorded on April 29.
This was reported by the Vinnytsia Regional Center for Hydrometeorology.
“Virga is an interesting atmospheric phenomenon. It was observed in Vinnytsia on April 22 and April 29, 2026,” the center noted.
Virga is precipitation in the form of rain or snow that forms in clouds but evaporates before reaching the ground. In the sky, it looks like thin, translucent streaks or “tails” that seem to hang from the clouds and gradually disappear.
Experts explain that the phenomenon occurs when raindrops or ice crystals enter a layer of dry air beneath a cloud. Due to low humidity, they either evaporate (in the case of rain) or sublimate (in the case of snow) before reaching the ground.
Virga is most commonly observed beneath the following types of clouds:
- altocumulus,
- stratocumulus,
- cumulonimbus clouds.
