Mawsynram, a town perched in the Khasi Hills of , takes the title for the world's rainiest spot, with rainfall levels that make London's downpours seem like a light drizzle. This unique location receives a staggering 11,873 mm of rain annually, dwarfing Glasgow's 1,109mm and leaving London's 585mm far behind.
Local guide Jyotiprasad Oza, who has spent his life in Mawsynram, escorts intrigued tourists through the deluge with TourHQ. Despite the intense , around 10,000 visitors a year brave the conditions to witness the extreme precipitation, particularly during the monsoon season from June to September.
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"We get about 10,000 tourists a year. During rainy time people like to visit because it's very heavy rainfall, especially June to September," Jyotiprasad revealed to the , as if on cue, the skies above him burst open with yet another downpour.
In Mawsynram, the rain is relentless, often trapping locals indoors for days, or even a week at a time without respite. It's not just the quantity but also the sheer intensity of the rain that sets this place apart from anywhere else on the planet.
In a record-shattering downpour, the town of Mawsynram once witnessed 1,003mm of rain in just a single day last decade—double what London gets in an entire year. The relentless deluge brought about devastating consequences for this rainfall-rich location.
"During the time of heavy rainfall it is impossible to go outside. We can't do our daily walk. We are not supposed to go outside during the rainy time. Sometimes children can't go to school during the rain. It is quite dangerous," explained Jyotiprasad, illustrating the harsh impact on everyday life.
With the onset of monsoon rains, landslides and floods pose deadly risks. Regular power cuts and overwhelmed water supplies add to the troubles faced by Mawsynram's residents.
Amidst the constant damp, some locals yearn for drier climes, with Jyotiprasad sharing, "We prefer to move to where it gets less rain," highlighting that few choose to relocate to the area despite its unique climate.
Mawsynram's extraordinary rain levels owe to its elevation at 1,400m, creating intense highland weather conditions exacerbated by humid air ascending from the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon, coupled with the Khasi Hills' strategic positioning that blocks the bay's airflow.
The locals of Mawsynram have ingeniously adapted their lifestyle to cope with the relentless rainfall. Many homes are soundproofed to drown out the thunderous noise of the rain, and traditional full-body umbrellas known as Knups are a common sight.
These large shell-shaped contraptions, crafted from bamboo and banana leaves, offer protection when a heavy coat and wellington boots just don't cut it.
But it's not all about the rain in Mawsynram. The stunning landscapes, breathtaking viewpoints, and roaring waterfalls in the vicinity are a magnet for nature enthusiasts.
Among the highlights are the Nohkalikai Waterfalls, ranking as the fourth highest in the .
On the flip side of extreme weather conditions is Kuwait City, . A local resident how they've adjusted to the scorching temperatures.
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