How is rainfall intensity typically measured?

Rainfall intensity is typically measured in inches per hour. This measurement provides a clear understanding of how much rain falls over a specific period of time, which is essential for various applications in meteorology, hydraulic engineering, and environmental science. Since rainfall intensity can greatly affect water runoff, flooding potential, and drainage system design, using inches per hour allows for effective planning and response to varying weather conditions.

Measuring rainfall in inches per minute, seconds, or days would not provide the level of detail necessary for rapid assessments or immediate planning, as these time intervals either compress the observed data too much or stretch it beyond practical use for situations requiring quick response to rain events. Therefore, inches per hour offers a balanced approach that allows for both timely information and comprehensive weather pattern analysis.