News Physics

Falling raindrops break terminal velocity

Superfast droplets lack clear explanation but could alter weather forecasts

raindrop

SPLASHDOWN  Scientists have confirmed the existence of rapid raindrops that plummet faster than terminal velocity, the speed at which falling objects stop accelerating.

Luke Peterson/FLICKR (CC BY 2.0)

By Thomas Sumner

- More than 2 years ago

Raindrops have been caught breaking the speed limit.

Using drizzle detectors, researchers discovered tiny raindrops falling more than 1.3