Mawsynram in Meghalaya is famous across the world for being one of the wettest places on the planet. But new research suggests that the town may be losing some of its record-breaking rain, and air pollution could be one of the main reasons. A recent scientific study has found that the total rainfall recorded in Mawsynram has gone down sharply over the past decade. According to the researchers, the annual rainfall dropped from a little over 10,200 millimetres in 2014 to about 8,800 millimetres in 2023. This means the region has seen a decline of nearly 14 per cent during this period, which experts believe is quite significant for a place known for very heavy rain.
The study was published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing. The research team examined satellite-based data and noticed that during the same years, the amount of tiny pollution particles—called aerosols—in the atmosphere steadily increased. These particles often come from burning fuels, vehicles, factories, and other human activities. Scientists explained that when the air has more of these fine particles, they can disturb the natural process of cloud formation. Water droplets find it harder to combine and grow into raindrops. As a result, clouds may build up but produce less rainfall than usual. This effect appeared stronger during winter and just before the monsoon season, when aerosol levels were at their peak.
Researchers also observed that the heating effect of these aerosols in the atmosphere has risen in recent years. This can change air temperature patterns and may further affect rainfall behaviour in the region. The authors of the study said that this link between air pollution and changes in rain is complex, but the data shows a clear connection that cannot be ignored. They believe that a better understanding of how pollution interacts with clouds will help improve future climate predictions.