The precipitation amount-weighted mean isotope values along an elevation transect show lighter signatures at higher elevation, but generally low deuterium excess values (d<10 ‰). To trace the origin and (short-term) history of the precipitation system, we applied a 3-step model incorporating evaporation of seawater, condensation, and sub-cloud evaporation. Our modelling exercise indicates that the classic elevation effect is quasi-negligible, and that sub-cloud evaporation is likely to be the main driver behind the encountered isotope pattern. This pseudo-elevation effect implies that the precipitation is not depleted in heavy isotopes with increasing elevation, but rather enriched with decreasing elevation. This effect may prevail in other (semi-arid) areas as well.