What is Artificial Rain? 15 Real Facts About Cloud Seeding in India and the World (2025)
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Artificial rain, also known as cloud seeding, is gaining major attention in India, especially in 2025. With air pollution rising in metro cities and rainfall becoming unpredictable, India is turning to technology to trigger rain artificially. But what exactly is cloud seeding? Is it safe? And how is it being used in Delhi and other parts of the world?
Here are 15 Real and Interesting Facts About Artificial Rain You Should Know:
- Artificial Rain = Cloud Seeding: It's a weather modification method where specific chemicals are sprayed into rain clouds to boost rainfall.
- Key Chemicals Used: Common agents include silver iodide, potassium iodide, and common salt. These act as nuclei for water vapor to form raindrops.
- Only Works on Moist Clouds: Cloud seeding doesn't create clouds. It only works on clouds that already have enough moisture.
- Delhi’s New Experiment: In 2025, Delhi began cloud seeding trials to combat air pollution and dust levels in the city post-monsoon.
- Used in 50+ Countries: Countries like China, UAE, USA, and Australia use cloud seeding regularly — mostly for agriculture or rainfall balance.
- UAE Uses Drones: UAE deploys AI-controlled drones to shoot electric pulses and stimulate rain formation.
- No Guaranteed Results: Success rates vary between 20% to 40%. It's not a guaranteed solution but an enhancement method.
- Safe for Humans & Environment: The chemicals used in small quantities are not harmful to humans, animals, or aircraft.
- It’s Costly: A single operation can cost between ₹1–5 crore, depending on the method and area covered.
- Also Boosts Snowfall: In colder regions, artificial rain tech is used to increase snowfall in ski resorts and mountains.
- Reduces Hail Damage: Cloud seeding is used to minimize large hailstones that can destroy crops and property.
- Silver Iodide Is Common: It mimics ice crystals in the atmosphere and is the most widely used seeding agent globally.
- India’s First Major Use: Maharashtra and Karnataka conducted successful cloud seeding during drought seasons.
- Globally Coordinated: Operations are handled under strict guidelines by aviation authorities to avoid conflict with regular flights.
- Not “Fake Rain”: It's real rain, just accelerated or triggered by science. The process still uses natural water vapor in clouds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is artificial rain safe for humans?
Yes. The chemicals used (like silver iodide) are used in very small quantities and are considered non-toxic at those levels.
Q. Can artificial rain cause flooding?
Cloud seeding doesn't cause heavy rainfall unless the cloud is already full of moisture. It typically results in moderate rainfall.
Q. Why is Delhi doing cloud seeding?
To help reduce extreme air pollution by bringing down PM2.5 and PM10 particles from the air using rainfall.
Q. Does artificial rain work in every weather?
No. It only works when suitable clouds with enough moisture are already present.
Q. Who controls cloud seeding in India?
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), IIT Kanpur, and respective state governments usually handle or coordinate it.
Final Thoughts
Artificial rain is no longer just science fiction — it's a real and evolving solution to tackle climate problems, drought, and urban air pollution. While it may not be perfect, cloud seeding shows how India and the world are combining weather science and technology to tackle modern challenges in smarter ways.
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