An umbrella or parasol is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs that is mounted on a wooden, metal, or plastic pole. It is usually designed to protect a person against rain. The term umbrella is traditionally used when protecting oneself from rain, while parasol is used when protecting oneself from sunlight, though the terms continue to be used interchangeably. Often the difference is the material used for the canopy; some parasols are not waterproof, and some umbrellas are transparent. Umbrella canopies may be made of fabric or flexible plastic. There are also combinations of parasol and umbrella that are called en-tout-cas.
An umbrella
Woman holding an umbrella at Zenkō-ji, Nagano, Japan
Relief of an Egyptian parasol. These were used as sunshade and fan alike (flabellum).
Bas-relief of the Persian king Xerxes I (485–465 BC) at Persepolis
Rain is water droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then fall under gravity. Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the Earth. It provides water for hydroelectric power plants, crop irrigation, and suitable conditions for many types of ecosystems.
Heavy rainfall on a roof
Convective precipitation
Orographic precipitation
Band of thunderstorms seen on a weather radar display