Alan White wrote:
On Wed, 05 Oct 2005 13:43:14 +0100, JPG wrote:

I agree
- patchy rain = weak warm front, uniformly overcast and rain
usually light
- showery outbreaks = slow moving convective or Ac Cas, some heavy
rain, some bright or sunny intervals.

Exactly!!!
Yes there is a difference, but to the 'man in the street', rain is rain -
light or heavy. Most are not concerned about the state of sky or cloud type.
I dislike the term 'showery outbreaks' ....showers are just that ...showers.
The phrase..'Patchy rain in the north and showery outbreaks in the south'
may mean something to weather enthusiasts but would be ridiculous to many.
John
--
York,
North Yorkshire.
(c.20 metre AMSL)