Rainfall vs. Precipitation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 10, 2023
Rainfall refers specifically to the amount of rain that falls, while Precipitation encompasses all forms of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail, that fall from the atmosphere.
Difference Between Rainfall and Precipitation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rainfall is the term used to describe the quantity of rain that descends from the clouds. Precipitation is a broader term, referring to any water that falls from the atmosphere, which could include rain but also snow, sleet, and hail.
Rainfall is usually measured in terms of millimeters or inches and is used to gauge the intensity or amount of rain that falls during a specific period. Precipitation, meanwhile, is measured in similar units but will often be specified by type (like snowfall measured in inches or centimeters).
When looking at weather reports, you'll often see rainfall described when the forecast calls specifically for rain. On the other hand, the term precipitation is more common in scientific contexts or in general weather reports, indicating all forms of moisture expected to fall from the sky.
Rainfall is an essential aspect of the water cycle and is critical for agricultural activities. Precipitation serves a similar function but is more encompassing, affecting various weather conditions and environmental processes, from snowmelt contributing to river flows to hail affecting crops.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Only refers to rain
Includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail
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Measurement Units
Usually millimeters or inches
Millimeters or inches, specified by type
Context
Common in daily weather forecasts
More common in scientific contexts
Relation to Water Cycle
Specific aspect
More encompassing
Application
Primarily affects rain-dependent activities
Affects a wider range of activities and conditions
Compare with Definitions
Rainfall
Rainfall is the amount of rain that falls in a specific area.
The rainfall in Seattle is higher than in Los Angeles.
Precipitation
Precipitation includes all forms of water falling from the atmosphere.
The area received various types of precipitation last week.
Rainfall
Rainfall is measured in millimeters or inches.
Last night's rainfall measured 2 inches.
Precipitation
Precipitation is measured in similar units to rainfall.
The total precipitation for the month was 3 inches.
Rainfall
Rainfall can vary seasonally.
Rainfall is more abundant in the monsoon season.
Precipitation
Precipitation is critical for environmental processes.
Precipitation helps maintain ecological balance.
Rainfall
Rainfall contributes to the water cycle.
Rainfall replenishes the lakes and rivers.
Precipitation
Precipitation can be solid or liquid.
The precipitation started as snow and then turned into rain.
Rainfall
Rainfall is important for agriculture.
Adequate rainfall is essential for crop growth.
Precipitation
Precipitation affects weather conditions.
Precipitation can lead to flooding or droughts.
Rainfall
The fall of rain
The absorption of further supplies from rainfalls
Wildebeest sense distant rainfall
Precipitation
In meteorology, precipitation is any product of the condensation of atmospheric water vapor that falls under gravitational pull from clouds. The main forms of precipitation include drizzling, rain, sleet, snow, ice pellets, graupel and hail.
Rainfall
A shower or fall of rain.
Precipitation
The action or process of precipitating a substance from a solution.
Rainfall
The quantity of water, expressed in inches, precipitated as rain, snow, hail, or sleet in a specified area and time interval.
Precipitation
Rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to or condenses on the ground
These convective processes produce cloud and precipitation
The heavy post-monsoon precipitations
Rainfall
(meteorology) the amount of rain that falls on a single occasion
Precipitation
The fact or quality of acting suddenly and rashly
Cora was already regretting her precipitation
Rainfall
The occurrence of liquid precipitation, the fall of rain.
Precipitation
Any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls to the earth's surface.
Rainfall
A fall or descent of rain; the water, or amount of water, that falls in rain; as, the average annual rainfall of a region.
Supplied by the rainfall of the outer ranges of Sinchul and Singaleleh.
Precipitation
The quantity of such water falling in a specific area within a specific period.
Rainfall
Water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
Precipitation
A hastening or acceleration, especially one that is sudden or unexpected
He is responsible for the precipitation of his own demise.
Precipitation
Abrupt or impulsive haste.
Precipitation
A headlong fall or rush.
Precipitation
(Chemistry) The process of separating a substance from a solution as a solid.
Precipitation
(meteorology) Any or all of the forms of water particles, whether liquid or solid, that fall from the upper atmosphere (e.g., rain, hail, snow or sleet). It is a major class of hydrometeor, but it is distinguished from cloud, fog, dew, rime, frost, etc., in that it must fall. It is distinguished from cloud and virga in that it must reach the ground.
Precipitation
A hurried headlong fall.
Precipitation
A reaction that leads to the formation of a heavier solid in a lighter liquid; the precipitate so formed at the bottom of the container.
Precipitation
(figuratively) Unwise or rash rapidity; sudden haste.
Precipitation
The act of precipitating, or the state of being precipitated, or thrown headlong.
In peril of precipitationFrom off rock Tarpeian.
Precipitation
A falling, flowing, or rushing downward with violence and rapidity.
The hurry, precipitation, and rapid motion of the water, returning . . . towards the sea.
Precipitation
Great hurry; rash, tumultuous haste; impetuosity.
Precipitation
The act or process of precipitating from a solution.
Precipitation
A deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow; also, the quantity of water deposited.
Precipitation
The quantity of water falling to earth at a specific place within a specified period of time;
The storm brought several inches of precipitation
Precipitation
The process of forming a chemical precipitate
Precipitation
The falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist)
Precipitation
The act of casting down or falling headlong from a height
Precipitation
An unexpected acceleration or hastening;
He is responsible for the precipitation of his own demise
Precipitation
Overly eager speed (and possible carelessness);
He soon regretted his haste
Common Curiosities
Is Rainfall a type of Precipitation?
Yes, rainfall is a specific type of precipitation.
How do Rainfall and Precipitation differ?
Rainfall is specific to rain, while Precipitation can include rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
How is Rainfall collected for measurement?
Often with rain gauges.
What is Rainfall?
Rainfall refers to the amount of rain that falls in a specific area.
Is Rainfall used in weather forecasts?
Yes, rainfall is commonly specified in daily weather forecasts.
Is Precipitation used in scientific contexts?
Yes, the term is often used in meteorology and environmental science.
Can you measure Rainfall and Precipitation in the same units?
Yes, both are commonly measured in millimeters or inches.
Is Rainfall always liquid?
Yes, rainfall is liquid by definition.
Can Precipitation be solid?
Yes, like snow or hail.
What is Precipitation?
Precipitation includes all forms of water that fall from the atmosphere.
Does Precipitation affect multiple environmental processes?
Yes, from river flows to weather conditions, precipitation has a broad impact.
Can different forms of Precipitation occur together?
Yes, like rain and sleet falling simultaneously.
Does Rainfall only affect agriculture?
While critical for agriculture, rainfall also impacts other areas like water supply.
How is Precipitation measured?
Using various instruments, depending on the type, such as snow gauges for snowfall.
Can Rainfall vary seasonally?
Yes, such as during monsoons or dry seasons.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
