rain altitude

[bubbles4920]

as i was flying across the atlantic the other day i had a thought. at what altitude does rain stop falling. i presume it can only be up to where the clouds stop. never seen rain out of an aeroplane at a great height!!

[filthiestfis]

Of course when you are above the clouds you wont be rained on but Ive wondered this too when flying.

[bubbles4920]

yes but how high does/can the rain start from?

[Hawkwalk]

Thats because over a certain altitude water becomes ice crystals so it wont rain. Take a look here for more details.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud