Tom Donaly wrote:
Cecil
was too chicken to do any meaningful experiments with this, ...

I don't have to do any experiments, Tom. The ARRL has already
done them for me. From the 2000 ARRL Handbook:

"Precipitation static is an almost continuous hash-type noise
that often accompanies various kinds of precipitation, including
snowfall. Precipitation static is caused by rain drops, snowflakes
or even *wind-blown dust*, transferring a small electrical charge
on contact with an antenna."

If you don't agree with the ARRL, please present some proof
that they are wrong.
--
73, Cecil http://www.qsl.net/w5dxp