la averse

The French word "averse" means a sudden, short, and often heavy rain shower.

Meaning:

• An averse is not a continuous rain but a burst of precipitation, which usually doesn't last very long.
• It can be intense and accompanied by wind or lightning, but its defining characteristic is its brief duration.

Synonyms and differences:

• Pluie: This means "rain" in a general sense and can refer to any amount or duration of rainfall, from light drizzle to heavy rain, and can be continuous.
• Ondée: This is also a brief rain shower, often light and short-lived, similar to an averse but generally less intense.
• Rafale (in the weather context): More commonly used for wind gusts, but sometimes associated with sudden rain bursts combined with the wind.
• Déluge: Means a heavy, prolonged downpour — much more intense and long-lasting than an averse.

So, an averse is a distinct, quick rain event that's more intense than a light drizzle but shorter than continuous rain.