hydrometeors

Hydrometeors are any products of the condensation of atmospheric water vapor that fall from, are suspended in, or touch the surface of the Earth. This definition encompasses a wide range of phenomena. Common examples include precipitation in the form of rain, snow, sleet, and hail. These are distinct from other types of meteors, such as lithometeors (solid particles like dust and sand) and electrometeors (electrical phenomena like lightning).

Hydrometeors can also include water particles that do not reach the ground but are visible in the atmosphere. These include clouds and fog, which are essentially collections of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air. Other forms, like virga, are precipitation that evaporates before reaching the surface. Dew and frost are also considered hydrometeors as they form when water vapor condenses directly onto a surface. The study of hydrometeors is a crucial aspect of meteorology, providing insights into atmospheric processes and weather patterns. Their formation and characteristics are governed by temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.