A rainstorm is a weather event in which heavy rain falls from clouds. It can be caused by various atmospheric conditions, such as warm and moist air rising rapidly into cooler temperatures, leading to condensation and the formation of water droplets that combine to form large drops that fall as precipitation. Rainstorms can vary in intensity, with light showers lasting for a short period or heavy downpours that may continue for several hours. They are an important source of freshwater and play a vital role in the Earth's water cycle.