10 Wettest Places on Earth

10 Wettest Places on Earth

Several places around the world are known for their extremely high levels of rainfall, making them some of the wettest places on Earth.

1/10 Mawsynram, Meghalaya State, India

Mawsynram, Meghalaya State, India

Mawsynram is a village in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is situated on the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills, about 60 km from Shillong. It is known for being the wettest place on earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of 11,872 mm (467.4 in). Mawsynram is a small village with a population of around 1500 people, mainly belonging to the Khasi tribe. The local economy is mainly based on agriculture, with most of the villagers engaged in jhum (slash and burn) cultivation or small-scale farming.

Mawsynram is blessed with a subtropical climate, which is characterized by high humidity, abundant rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature of the area ranges between 13-28 degree Celsius (55-82 degree Fahrenheit). The mean annual temperature is around 24 degree Celsius (75 degree Fahrenheit). The village receives most of its rainfall between the months of June and September. During this period, the precipitation is highly intense and consistent, with an average of more than 5000 mm (197 in) of rain per month. The village also receives heavy rain during the winter months, with the average monthly rainfall being between 150-400 mm (6-16 in).

Mawsynram is also known for its lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. The area is covered with evergreen forests, which are home to a variety of bird species, including the critically endangered White-shouldered Ibis. Other wildlife includes tigers, leopards, elephants, tigers, sambar deer and more. The high rainfall has made Mawsynram an ideal place for adventure sports such as trekking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

2/10 Cherrapunji, Meghalaya State, India

Cherrapunji, Meghalaya State, India

Cherrapunji is a small town situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in India. It is located at the base of the Khasi Hills, on the southern edge of the Shillong Plateau, at an elevation of around 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level. Cherrapunji is renowned for being the second wettest place on Earth, receiving an average of 11,777 millimetres (467.4 in) of rain per year. It has been recorded to have received 26,461 millimetres (1,041.7 in) of rain in a single year, the highest ever recorded rainfall in a single year.

Cherrapunji is situated close to the Bangladesh border and is surrounded by the subtropical moist broadleaf forests of the Himalayas. The forests are home to a variety of fauna and flora and are an important part of the ecosystem, providing the necessary moisture for the abundant rainfall. The climate in Cherrapunji is generally humid and tropical, with temperatures rarely exceeding 33 °C (91 °F).

The unusually high levels of rainfall in Cherrapunji are due to the town's location in a zone of convergent monsoons. The Bay of Bengal branch of the Indian monsoon, which brings moist air from the Arabian Sea, collides with the Himalayan branch of the Tibetan monsoon, which brings cool air from the Tibetan Plateau. This collision of two large-scale monsoons is what makes Cherrapunji one of the wettest places on Earth.

The high levels of rainfall have a major impact on the local economy, providing much needed water for crops and livestock. The abundant rainfall has also led to the development of waterfalls and rivers, as well as lush vegetation, making Cherrapunji a popular tourist destination. Cherrapunji is an important part of the local culture and is celebrated in songs and dances. It is a place of natural beauty and is a great example of how a small town can have a big impact on its local community.

3/10 Tutendo, Colombia, South America

Tutendo, Colombia, South America

Tutunendo, a town in Colombia, holds the world record for one of the wettest places in the world. Situated in the Chocó Department, it receives an astounding average of around 456 inches (11,596 millimeters) of rainfall annually. The town's unique location, influenced by both its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding topography, results in continuous and intense precipitation. This extreme rainfall pattern sustains lush rainforests and diverse ecosystems, but it also presents challenges such as landslides and flooding. Tutunendo's remarkable rainfall has placed it in meteorological history as a place of extraordinary and unparalleled water abundance.

4/10 Cropp River, New Zealand

Cropp River, New Zealand

Cropp River, New Zealand is a small rural town located in the South Island of the country. It lies in the Waitaki district of the Otago region, approximately 60 kilometers from the city of Dunedin. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and lush native bush, providing an idyllic landscape for visitors. Cropp River experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. It is located in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps, which means that it experiences relatively low rainfall. The average annual rainfall for Cropp River is 690 millimeters, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1130 millimeters. The majority of the rainfall occurs during the winter months, with an average of 585 millimeters falling between June and August. During the summer months, rainfall is minimal, with only 65 millimeters falling on average between December and February. Cropp River is also affected by the effects of El Niño and La Niña, with these two weather patterns bringing significantly higher or lower than average rainfall. During El Niño, average rainfall is significantly lower than normal, while La Niña brings higher than average rainfall. This can have a significant impact on the town, as it can result in drought or flooding. Overall, Cropp River is characterized by its low rainfall and temperate climate. It is an ideal place for those looking for a peaceful rural experience, with its rolling hills and lush native bush. With its low rainfall and proximity to Dunedin, Cropp River is an attractive destination for visitors looking to explore the South Island.

5/10 San Antonio de Ureca, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea

San Antonio de Ureca, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea

San Antonio de Ureca is a small coastal village located on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. This small village is situated on the northwestern part of the island, approximately 12 km from the city of Malabo. San Antonio de Ureca experiences a tropical climate, with a wet season from April to October and a dry season from November to March. It is among the wettest areas in the world and receives about 10,450 millimeters (418 ins) of rainfall annually. It is also the wettest place in Africa.

The wet season is characterized by high levels of humidity and frequent rainfall, while the dry season is characterized by lower levels of humidity and little to no rainfall. The average annual temperature is 25.8°C, with temperatures ranging from 20.7°C to 31.3°C. Most of the rainfall occurs between April and September, with the months of May and June receiving the most precipitation.

6/10 Debundscha, Cameroon, Africa

Debundscha, Cameroon, Africa

Debundscha is a small village in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, Africa. Located about 150 miles from the capital city of Yaounde, the village is home to about 500 people. Debundscha is in a rainforest climate, which means that the amount of rainfall each year is usually quite high. The average annual rainfall in Debundscha is a whopping 10,299 millimeters, which is nearly 405.5 inches. This makes Debundscha one of the wettest places in the world. The rainy season in Debundscha lasts from April to October, with the peak months being June, July, and August. The plentiful water helps to support a diversity of wildlife in the region, including elephants, chimpanzees, gorillas, and a variety of bird species. 

7/10 Big Bog, Maui, Hawaii

Big Bog, Maui, Hawaii

Big Bog is a remote area in Maui, Hawaii located on the east side of the island. It is a lush and tropical area with plenty of rain. The area receives more rainfall than any other place in the Hawaiian Islands. On average, Big Bog receives about 404 inches of rain each year. This is more than double the average rainfall for the rest of Maui, which is about 150 inches. The majority of the rainfall in Big Bog comes from the trade winds that blow in from the north and east. These winds bring with them moisture from the waters of the Pacific Ocean. As the winds cross the island, they pick up moisture and drop it in Big Bog as rain. The terrain of Big Bog is mostly composed of steep mountains, deep valleys, and lush forests. This terrain can trap the moisture coming in from the trade winds, causing it to stay in the area and create more rainfall. Big Bog is also home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Maui. The waterfalls here are fed by the excess rainfall, creating a beautiful and serene environment. The waterfalls are also a great place to cool off on hot days. The rainfall in Big Bog is a major part of the area’s charm and beauty. It creates a unique environment that is unlike any other place in Hawaii.

8/10 Mt Waialeale, Kauai, Hawaii

Mt Waialeale, Kauai, Hawaii

Mt Waialeale, located in Kauai, Hawaii, is known for its extreme rainfall. The mountain is located in the center of Kauai and is surrounded by the Wailua River Valley, the Alakai Swamp, and the Waimea Canyon. The peak of Mt Waialeale is 5,148 feet above sea level and is considered to be one of the wettest spots on earth, receiving an average of over 380 inches of rain each year. The rain is the result of a unique combination of geography, weather, and climate. The mountain is home to the highest peak in the Hawaiian island chain, standing at more than 5,000 feet above sea level. This elevation, combined with the mountain’s location in the eastern Pacific, creates an area of low pressure that pulls moisture-laden clouds from the ocean and onto the mountain. The topography of the mountain also plays an important role in the amount of rainfall it receives. Mt Waialeale is formed by a series of ridges and valleys, which act as a funnel for the clouds, trapping the moisture and directing it towards the mountain’s peak. The weather patterns of the region also contribute to the amount of rain the mountain receives. The trade winds that blow across Kauai are filled with moisture from the ocean, which is then directed up the mountain’s slopes. This combined with the low pressure created by the mountain’s elevation causes heavy rainfall to occur. Due to its extreme rainfall, Mt Waialeale has an incredibly lush and dense rainforest. The forest is home to a variety of exotic plants and wildlife, including rare species of birds, reptiles, and insects. The mountain is also a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. 

9/10 Kukui, Maui, Hawaii

Kukui, Maui, Hawaii

Kukui, Maui, Hawaii, is known for its significant rainfall due to its location on the windward side of the Hawaiian island of Maui. It is one of the wettest places on earth and the third wettest in Hawai. The place receives an average of 386.5 inches (9,820 mm) of rain a year. In general, areas on the windward (eastern) sides of Hawaiian islands tend to receive higher amounts of rainfall due to the prevailing trade winds that bring moisture-laden air from the ocean. This phenomenon results in lush and green landscapes on the windward sides of the islands.

10/10 Emei Shan, Sichuan Province, China

Emei Shan, Sichuan Province, China

Emei Shan is a mountain located in Sichuan Province, China. It is one of the four sacred mountains of Buddhism in China and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its stunning beauty and its many monasteries and temples. Emei Shan is located in the Sichuan Basin, an area with a subtropical monsoon climate.

The area is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, moist winters. The monsoon season from May to September brings more intense and frequent rainfall. Rainfall in Emei Shan is very significant, with the average annual precipitation being around 1661 mm (65 inches). The majority of the precipitation occurs in the monsoon season. During the rainy season in Emei Shan, rainfall is quite heavy and can last for several days at a time. The peak of the monsoon season is usually in July and August, when the area experiences the majority of its precipitation.

The rainfall helps to sustain the rich biodiversity of the area, including its many species of plants and animals. The rainfall also helps to ensure that the local rivers and streams are well-stocked with fish and other aquatic life. Emei Shan is a beautiful and majestic mountain that is made even more stunning when the rain washes over it. The rainfall that the mountain receives helps to sustain its unique ecology and environment, and makes the area a wonderful place to visit.

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