As of May 30, 2025, China has intensified its weather modification initiatives to address persistent drought conditions affecting key agricultural regions. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has reported a 20% increase in ground-based rain enhancement operations compared to the same period in 2024, focusing on provinces such as Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, and Shanxi.
These operations employ cloud seeding techniques, dispersing substances like silver iodide into the atmosphere using drones, aircraft, and ground-based generators to stimulate precipitation. In a notable experiment over the Bayanbulak Grasslands in Xinjiang, drones released approximately 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of silver iodide, resulting in an estimated 18.5 million gallons (70,000 cubic meters) of additional rainfall—equivalent to filling 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This operation increased local precipitation by over 4% across more than 3,000 square miles (8,000 square kilometers) in a single day.
The CMA’s key laboratory of cloud-precipitation physics and weather modification in Beijing led the Xinjiang project, utilizing medium-sized drones that ascended to altitudes of approximately 18,000 feet (5,500 meters). The silver iodide was dispersed through flame bars, releasing the compound into the atmosphere as smoke. Subsequent measurements indicated that cloud-top temperatures dropped by up to 10°C, promoting vertical cloud growth of about 3 kilometers, which facilitated the formation of larger raindrops and enhanced precipitation efficiency.
In addition to Xinjiang, cloud seeding operations have been conducted in other regions, including Guizhou, Shanghai, Gansu, and Sichuan, aiming to mitigate drought impacts and support agricultural productivity.
While these efforts have shown promising results, experts caution that the effectiveness of cloud seeding can vary based on atmospheric conditions, and ongoing monitoring is essential to assess long-term environmental impacts.
China’s expansion of its weather modification program reflects a proactive approach to addressing climate-related challenges and ensuring water security for its population and agricultural sectors.
