pleuviner

Pleuviner is a term used in informal meteorology to describe a brief, light precipitation event characterized by a sudden onset of fine droplets that resemble drizzle but occur in a localized, short-lived manner. The phenomenon typically lasts only a few minutes and affects a small area, often leaving surfaces wet briefly before evaporating.

Etymology: The word appears to be a neologism formed from the French pleuvoir (to rain) and the English suffix -iner, used in some contemporary weather vocabularies to denote a process or instantaneous occurrence. It is not part of standardized meteorological nomenclature.

Characteristics: Pleuviner features very light precipitation with small droplets, low accumulation, and rapid changes in intensity. It is most often observed under shallow moist layers with light winds, near coastal zones or urban heat islands. The event can be difficult to forecast due to its localized nature and brief duration.

Causes and context: It commonly arises when a thin moist layer overlies cooler surface air, producing condensation without sustained uplift. Localized factors such as terrain, sea breeze, or micro-fronts can trigger the phenomenon, leading to a transient spray of droplets that evaporate quickly if air remains unsaturated.

Forecast and perception: In forecasts, pleuviner may show up as a short, isolated shower or drizzle, but its exact timing and location are uncertain. For observers, it can be mistaken for mist or light drizzle until droplets become visible on surfaces.

References: The term is encountered mainly in informal discussions, travel notes, and some regional weather blogs rather than official climatology literature.