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Artificial Rain Explained — How Cloud Seeding Works | Delhi Artificial Rain 2025

Published: October 28, 2025 | By Gyangainer Environment Desk

Artificial rain — scientifically known as cloud seeding — is a controlled process of inducing rainfall by dispersing substances like silver iodide or salt into clouds. In October 2025, Delhi tested this method to reduce heavy smog and improve air quality, marking one of India’s most ambitious weather-modification experiments in recent years.

What is Artificial Rain?

Artificial rain refers to a process in which scientists stimulate clouds to release rain. This is achieved by introducing certain particles that encourage water droplets to combine and fall. The concept has existed for decades and is often used in regions facing drought or poor air quality.

How Does Cloud Seeding Work?

1. Identify suitable clouds: Only clouds that already have enough moisture can be seeded effectively.
2. Release seeding agents: Planes or rockets disperse silver iodide or salt particles into the cloud layer.
3. Condensation and rainfall: Water vapor condenses around these particles, forming heavier droplets that eventually fall as rain.

Delhi’s 2025 Artificial Rain Experiment

Amid record-breaking air pollution in late 2025, Delhi officials partnered with scientists from IIT Kanpur and other research bodies to attempt artificial rain. The goal was to reduce particulate matter in the air by triggering light rainfall over smog-heavy regions.

However, experts noted that the results depend on weather conditions — the technique cannot create clouds from scratch. On some trial days, insufficient cloud moisture limited the success of the seeding operation.

Benefits of Artificial Rain

• Helps improve air quality temporarily by washing out pollutants.
• Can support drought relief and boost water reserves.
• Assists in controlling dust and cooling local temperatures.

Limitations and Concerns

• Cloud seeding cannot work without existing clouds.
• Effectiveness varies based on temperature, humidity, and wind patterns.
• Concerns remain about the environmental impact of repeated use of chemicals like silver iodide.

Note: Artificial rain is not a permanent solution for pollution or water scarcity. It serves as a short-term measure, not a substitute for emission control and sustainable environmental planning.

Global Use of Cloud Seeding

Countries such as the UAE, China, and the United States have successfully implemented cloud seeding to enhance rainfall or manage weather patterns. These projects have provided valuable data, but experts emphasize that results differ widely depending on geography and climate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can cloud seeding create rain during clear skies?
A: No, it only enhances precipitation when suitable clouds already exist.

Q2. Is it safe for the environment?
A: Generally yes, as the chemicals are used in minimal quantities, but long-term effects are still being studied.

Q3. Did Delhi’s 2025 artificial rain work?
A: Early reports indicate mixed results — while some areas saw light showers, weather conditions limited the overall impact.

Final Thoughts

Artificial rain represents human innovation in the face of climate and pollution challenges. Delhi’s 2025 experiment underscores both its potential and its limits. While technology can assist nature, sustained improvement in air quality will ultimately depend on reducing emissions at their source.

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