What process does Virga describe?

Virga refers to the phenomenon where precipitation, typically rain, falls from the cloud base but evaporates before reaching the ground. This occurs under conditions where the air below the clouds is sufficiently dry, allowing the water droplets to vaporize as they descend. The evaporation process can give the appearance of rain while, in reality, no moisture makes it to the surface. This is a common occurrence in areas with low humidity or higher temperatures where the air can absorb moisture efficiently. Understanding virga is important in meteorology as it reflects the dynamics of precipitation and atmospheric conditions.