What determines the terminal velocity of rain droplets?

The terminal velocity of rain droplets is determined by the balance between the forces acting on the droplet as it falls through the atmosphere. As droplets descend, gravity pulls them downward, accelerating their fall. However, as they gain speed, they encounter resistance from the air, known as drag. Eventually, these two forces reach an equilibrium where the downward force of gravity is balanced by the upward drag force of the air. This balance of forces results in the droplet falling at a constant velocity, referred to as terminal velocity.

While factors such as updraft strength can influence the behavior of falling droplets, they do not directly define terminal velocity. Atmospheric pressure also does not play a significant role in determining terminal velocity, since the balance between gravity and drag is the critical factor for a droplet reaching a steady state in its fall.