History of Rain in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 14, 2025

Rain is a type of precipitation involving condensed water vapor falling due to gravity. A crucial part of the water cycle, it deposits most of Earth's freshwater, crucial for hydroelectricity, irrigation, and various ecosystems. Essentially, rain is a vital process for sustaining life and resources on our planet.

1900: Precipitation increase over land

From 1900 through 2005, precipitation generally increased over land north of 30°N. Over the contiguous United States, total annual precipitation increased at an average rate of 6.1 percent since 1900.

1950: Increase in heavy downpours

Analysis of rainfall records from 1950 to 2014 in the United States reveals an increase in heavy downpours since 1950. The largest increases are in the Northeast and Midwest, with Rhode Island showing the largest increase at 104%.

1974: Largest annual rainfall measured in Colombia

In 1974, Tutunendaó, Colombia received 26,303 mm (86 ft 3.6 in) of rainfall, the largest annual rainfall measured in Colombia.

1982: Record rainfall on Mount Waiʻaleʻale

In 1982, Mount Waiʻaleʻale on the island of Kauaʻi recorded 17,340 mm (683 in) of rain, contributing to its average annual rainfall of 9,500 mm (373 in) over the last 32 years.

2000: High rainfall recorded in Australia

In 2000, Mount Bellenden Ker in Australia recorded over 12,200 mm (480.3 in) of rain, contributing to its average annual rainfall of 8,000 mm (310 in), making it the wettest spot in Australia.

2004: Largest raindrops recorded

In 2004, the largest raindrops on Earth were recorded over Brazil and the Marshall Islands. Some of these raindrops were as large as 10 mm (0.39 in).

2005: Precipitation trends observed

From 1900 through 2005, precipitation generally increased over land north of 30°N but has declined over the tropics since the 1970s. In 2005, the trends varied widely by region and over time, with some areas becoming wetter and others drier.

2011: Days of Prayer for Rain in Texas

In 2011, during a period of drought, the State of Texas held Days of Prayer for Rain, reflecting the continued religious and cultural significance of rain.

2014: Increase in heavy downpours

Analysis of rainfall records from 1950 to 2014 in the United States reveals an increase in heavy downpours since 1950. The largest increases are in the Northeast and Midwest. The city with the largest increase is McAllen, Texas with 700%.

2022: PFAAs in rainwater exceeded safety standards

In 2022, levels of at least four perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in rainwater worldwide greatly exceeded the EPA's lifetime drinking water health advisories as well as comparable Danish, Dutch, and European Union safety standards, suggesting a planetary boundary for chemical pollution has been exceeded.