Raindrops are not shaped like teardrops.

Tag: weather Published: January 26, 2026

While many people imagine raindrops as perfectly teardrop-shaped, they are actually more like tiny, flattened spheres. This shape occurs due to the air resistance that raindrops experience as they fall through the atmosphere. As raindrops fall, they encounter air resistance, which causes them to flatten at the bottom and become slightly squished.

In fact, researchers have found that raindrops are typically shaped more like hamburger buns rather than teardrops. This unique shape allows raindrops to fall more efficiently through the air, reaching the ground faster. Understanding the shape of raindrops is essential for meteorologists and scientists studying weather patterns and precipitation.

Next time you're caught in a rainstorm, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating shape of raindrops and how they interact with the forces of nature. The next time you see rain falling from the sky, remember that each raindrop is a tiny, flattened sphere defying gravity in a beautifully unique way.

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