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 with 300mm – 3000mm average annual rainfall. But there are places with more than 10,000 mm 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. But first, let’s learn.
Average annual rainfall
Average annual rainfall is the average value of annual rainfall calculated over a period of 3 to 4 decades.
How is rainfall measured?
To learn how is rainfall measured, you can read the following article.
How is rainfall measured? | What does 1 mm rainfall mean?
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 regarded as the wettest place on Earth. The average annual precipitation in Mawsynram is 11,872 mm (467.4 inches). Located at an elevation of about 1,400 meters, Mawsynram like the rest of India receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season. 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 kilometers east of Mawsynram, Cherrapunji is the place with the second-highest average annual rainfall. Also located at an elevation of about 1,400 meters, Cherrapunji receives 11,856.8 mm (466.80 inches) of average annual precipitation. Some of the highest waterfalls in India are located near Cherrapunji, like the Nohkalikai Falls (340 m/1,115 ft) and the Nohsngithiang Falls (315 metres/1,033 ft).
Tutunendo, Colombia
Tutunendo is a small town in Colombia. It is the third wettest place on Earth and receives 11,596.1 mm (456.54 inches) of average annual rainfall. Unlike Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, Tutendo receives rainfall all year round.
FAQs
The Wettest place in Africa is the village of San Antonio de Ureca. San Antonio de Ureca is located on the Bioko Island of Equatorial Guinea. It receives 10,450 millimeters (418 ins) of average annual precipitation.
Tutunendo, Colombia
Big Bog, Maui, Hawaii is widely considered the wettest place in North America.
Mawsynram is the wettest place in Asia.
It should be noted that the average annual rainfall value changes with time. The wettest place on Earth may change. There are already claims by some places for the title.