Rain is the condensed water vapor falling under gravity as droplets. The condensed water vapor is accumulated in the form of clouds. Most of us live in places where average annual rainfall is between 300 mm and 3,000 mm (11.81-118.11 in). But there are places with more than 10,000 mm (393.7 in) of average annual rainfall. The people living in these places have adapted to the conditions and have developed a unique culture. The following are some of the wettest places on Earth. Let’s read.
Average annual rainfall
Average annual rainfall is the average value of annual rainfall typically calculated over a period of 3 to 5 decades.
Top wettest places on Earth
Mawsynram, Meghalaya, India
Mawsynram is a town in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in India. It is widely considered as the wettest place on Earth. From 1941 to 1979, the average annual precipitation in Mawsynram was 11,872 mm (467.4 in).
The town is located at an elevation of about 1,400 m. Mawsynram like the rest of India receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season. On some days, Mawsynram can get over 1,000 mm (39.37 in) of rain. In the winter months, (November, December, January, and February) there is not much rainfall.
Cherrapunji (Sohra), Meghalaya, India
Another place in Meghalaya state just 15 km (9.3 miles) east of Mawsynram, Cherrapunji is the place with the second-highest average annual rainfall. Also located at an elevation of about 1,400 m, Cherrapunji received 11,621 mm (457.52 in) of average annual rainfall from 1973 to 2020.
Cherrapunji holds the record for the greatest rainfall in a single year. Between 1 August 1860 and 31 July 1861, Cherrapunji received 26,470 mm (1,042.13 in) of rainfall.
Some of the highest waterfalls in India are located near Cherrapunji and Mawsynram. Some examples are – Nohkalikai Falls (340 m/1,115 ft) and the Nohsngithiang Falls (315 m/1,033 ft).
Tutunendo, Colombia
Tutunendo district in Colombia is the third rainiest place on Earth. The average annual rainfall in the district is 11,596 mm (456.54 in). Unlike Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, Tutunendo receives rainfall all year round.
How is rainfall measured?
To learn how is rainfall measured, you can read the following article.
What is the wettest place in Africa?
Debundscha, Cameroon is the wettest place in Africa. The average annual rainfall record is 10,287 mm (405 in) as per World Meteorological Organization.
(It should be noted that the average annual rainfall value changes with time. The wettest place on Earth may change.)
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