What is the main cause of precipitation?

Precipitation that does re-evaporate before reaching the ground is called "virga", two examples of which are shown below: The more water vapor there is below the cloud, and the stronger the updrafts that cause this water vapor to condense into cloud water or ice particles, the more likely it is that precipitation will form within the cloud. read more

Precipitation occurs when water-laden air cools, causing the water to condense back into its liquid form and fall as rain. In order to acquire the water in the first place, warm air must flow over a body of water. read more

Precipitation occurs when water droplets or crystals condense out of air saturated with water vapor and fall from the sky to the ground. It may occur when evaporation causes the amount of water vapor in the air to increase or when air cools and its capacity to hold water decreases. read more