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{{Short description|Village in Meghalaya, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Māwsynrām
| name                   = Mawsynram
| native_name             =  
| native_name           =  
| native_name_lang       = English
| native_name_lang       = English
| other_name             =  
| other_name             =  
| nickname               =  
| nickname               =  
| settlement_type         = Town
| settlement_type       = Town
| image_skyline           =  
| image_skyline         =  
| image_alt               =  
| image_alt             =  
| image_caption           =  
| image_caption         =  
| pushpin_map             = India Meghalaya#India
| pushpin_map           = India Meghalaya#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
| pushpin_map_alt       =  
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Meghalaya, India
| pushpin_map_caption   = Location in Meghalaya, India
| coordinates             = {{coord|25.28|N|91.35|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates           = {{Coord|25|17|56|N|91|34|53|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_name       = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name       = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1     = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Meghalaya]]
| subdivision_name1     = [[Meghalaya]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2     = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[East Khasi Hills]]
| subdivision_name2     = [[East Khasi Hills]]
| established_title       = <!-- Established -->
| established_title     =  
| established_date       =  
| established_date       =  
| founder                 =  
| founder               =  
| named_for               =  
| named_for             =  
| parts_type             = [[Taluka]]s
| parts_type             = [[Taluka]]s
| parts                   = Mawsynram C.D. Block
| parts                 = Mawsynram C.D. Block
| government_type         =  
| government_type       =  
|
| area_footnotes         =  
| area_footnotes         =  
| area_rank             =  
| area_rank               =  
| area_total_km2         = 2788
| area_total_km2         = 2788
| elevation_footnotes   =  
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| elevation_m           =  
| elevation_m             =  
| population_total       =  
| population_total       =  
| population_as_of       =  
| population_as_of       =  
| population_rank       =  
| population_rank         =  
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym     =  
| population_demonym     =  
| population_footnotes   =  
| population_footnotes   =  
| demographics_type1     = Languages
| demographics_type1     = Languages
| demographics1_title1   = Official
| demographics1_title1   = Official
| demographics1_info1   = [[English language|English]], [[Khasi language|Khasi]]
| demographics1_info1     = [[English language|English]], [[Khasi language|Khasi]]
| timezone1             = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1           = +5:30
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| postal_code_type       = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code_type       = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code           = 793113
| postal_code             = 793113
| area_code_type         = Telephone code
| area_code_type         = Telephone code
| area_code             = 03673
| area_code               = 03673
| registration_plate     = ML  
| registration_plate     = ML  
| blank1_name_sec1       = Nearest city
| blank1_name_sec1       = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1       = [[Shillong]]
| blank1_info_sec1       = [[Shillong]]
| blank1_name_sec2       = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank1_name_sec2       = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank1_info_sec2       = [[Oceanic climate#Subtropical highland variety (Cfb, Cwb)|Cwb]]
| blank1_info_sec2       = [[Oceanic climate#Subtropical highland variety (Cwb)|Cwb]]
| website               =  
| website                 =
| footnotes              =
 
}}
}}


'''Mawsynram''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|ɔ:|s|ɪ|n|ˌ|r|ʌ|m}}) is a town in the [[East Khasi Hills district]] of [[Meghalaya]] state in [[Northeastern India]], 60.9 kilometres from [[Shillong]], the state capital. Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual [[rainfall]] of {{convert|11,872|mm|in}},<ref name="year-rain">{{cite web |url=http://wmo.asu.edu/#global |title=Global Weather & Climate Extremes |website=Arizona State University World Meteorological Organization |accessdate=2015-07-22}}</ref><ref name="year-rain2">{{cite web | title = Meghalaya: The Wettest Place on Earth |work=The Atlantic | url = https://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2014/08/meghalaya-the-wettest-place-on-earth/100797/ |date=22 August 2014| accessdate = 2014-08-23 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Mawsynram, India|work=National Geographic | url = http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/365-photos/rain-mawsynram-india/ |date=4 February 2013| accessdate = 2014-08-23 }}</ref> but that claim is disputed by [[Lloró]], [[Colombia]], which reported an average yearly rainfall of {{convert|12,717|mm|in|abbr=on}} between 1952 and 1989<ref>http://www.banrepcultural.org/blaavirtual/faunayflora/pacific1/cap10.htm</ref><ref name="Lacerda2004">{{cite book|author=Luiz Drude de Lacerda|title=Environmental Geochemistry in Tropical and Subtropical Environments|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3th0bNos0OcC&pg=PA177|date=2004|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-3-540-42540-3|pages=177–}}</ref> and [[López de Micay]], also in Colombia, which reported {{convert|12892|mm|abbr=on}} per year between 1960 and 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/comment.html?entrynum=135#commenttop |title=Weather Extremes : New Wettest Place on Earth Discovered? - Weather Underground |work=wunderground.com |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031053635/http://www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/comment.html?entrynum=135 |archivedate=2014-10-31 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tiempo.com/ram/32180/descubierto-en-colombia-un-nuevo-lugar-mas-humedo-en-la-tierra/|title=¿Descubierto en Colombia un nuevo lugar más húmedo en la Tierra?|work=tiempo.com|date=22 March 2013}}</ref> According to the ''[[Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of World Records]]'', Mawsynram received {{convert|26,000|mm|in}} of [[rainfall]] in 1985.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}
'''Mawsynram''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|ɔ:|s|ɪ|n|ˌ|r|ʌ|m}}) is a town in the [[East Khasi Hills district]] of [[Meghalaya]] state in [[Northeastern India]], {{cvt|69|km|mi}} from [[Shillong]], the state capital. Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual [[rainfall]] of {{convert|11,872|mm|in}}.<ref name="year-rain">{{cite web |url=http://wmo.asu.edu/#global |title=Global Weather & Climate Extremes |website=Arizona State University World Meteorological Organization |access-date=2015-07-22 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208085718/http://wmo.asu.edu/#global |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="year-rain2">{{cite web |title=Meghalaya: The Wettest Place on Earth |work=The Atlantic |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2014/08/meghalaya-the-wettest-place-on-earth/100797/ |date=22 August 2014 |access-date=2014-08-23 |archive-date=7 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107052004/http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2014/08/meghalaya-the-wettest-place-on-earth/100797 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mawsynram, India |work=National Geographic |url=http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/365-photos/rain-mawsynram-india/ |date=4 February 2013 |access-date=2014-08-23 |archive-date=5 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005214948/http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/365-photos/rain-mawsynram-india |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to the ''[[Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of World Records]]'', Mawsynram received {{convert|26,000|mm|in|1}} of [[rainfall]] in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Know about Mawsynram in Meghalaya which witnessed the world's highest rainfall |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-know-about-mawsynram-in-meghalaya-which-witnessed-the-world-highest-rainfall-2963009 |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>
Mawsynram received 745.2 mm of rainfall on 19 August 2015, probably the highest rainfall received by the town to date.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Mawsynram-rains-on-Sohra-parade-again/articleshow/48561354.cms |title=Mawsynram rains on Sohra parade, again |last=Das |first=Manosh |date=2015-08-21 |website=The Times of India |publisher= |access-date=2021-08-18 |quote=}}</ref>
Mawsynram received {{convert|745.3|mm|in}} of rainfall on 19 August 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Mawsynram-rains-on-Sohra-parade-again/articleshow/48561354.cms |title=Mawsynram rains on Sohra parade, again |last=Das |first=Manosh |date=2015-08-21 |website=The Times of India |publisher= |access-date=2021-08-18 |quote= |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818174625/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Mawsynram-rains-on-Sohra-parade-again/articleshow/48561354.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 June 2022, Mawsynram set a new record by receiving {{convert|1,003.2|mm|in}} in a span of 24 hours which has now become its highest single day record for the month of June and for its all-time single day record, beating its former record of {{cvt|944.7|mm|in}} on 7 June 1966.


==Location==
==Location==
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|clear=left
|clear=left
}}
}}
Mawsynram is located at 25° 18′ N, 91° 35′ E, at an altitude of about 1,400 metres (4,600&nbsp;ft), 15&nbsp;km west of [[Cherrapunji]], in the [[Khasi Hills]] in the state of [[Meghalaya]] ([[India]]).
Mawsynram is located at 25° 18′ N, 91° 35′ E, at an altitude of about 1,400 meters (4,600&nbsp;ft), 15&nbsp;km west of [[Cherrapunji]], in the [[Khasi Hills]] in the state of [[Meghalaya]] ([[India]]).


===Climate and rainfall===
===Climate and rainfall===
Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], Mawsynram features a [[subtropical highland climate]] (Cwb) with an extraordinarily showery, rainy and long monsoonal season and a short dry season. Based on the data of a recent few decades, it appears to be the wettest place in the world, or the place with the highest average annual rainfall.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Kuttippurath|first1=J|last2=Murasingh|first2=S|last3=Stott|first3=P A|last4=Sarojini|first4=B Balan|last5=Jha|first5=Madan K|last6=Kumar|first6=P|last7=Nair|first7=P J|last8=Varikoden|first8=H|last9=Raj|first9=S|last10=Francis|first10=P A|last11=Pandey|first11=P C|date=2021-01-22|title=Observed rainfall changes in the past century (1901–2019) over the wettest place on Earth|journal=Environmental Research Letters|volume=16|issue=2|pages=024018|doi=10.1088/1748-9326/abcf78|bibcode=2021ERL....16b4018K|issn=1748-9326|doi-access=free}}</ref> Mawsynram receives over 10,000 millimeters of rain in an average year, and the vast majority of the rain it gets falls during the [[Monsoon of India|monsoon]] months. A comparison of rainfalls for [[Cherrapunji]] and Mawsynram for some years is given in Table 1.<ref>''The Tribune'', Chandigarh, August 2003. {{full citation needed|date=September 2018}}</ref>
Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], Mawsynram features a [[subtropical highland climate]] (''Cwb'') with an extraordinarily showery, rainy and long monsoonal season and a short dry season. Based on the data of a recent few decades, it appears to be the wettest place in the world, or the place with the highest average annual rainfall.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kuttippurath |first1=J |last2=Murasingh |first2=S |last3=Stott |first3=P A |last4=Sarojini |first4=B Balan |last5=Jha |first5=Madan K |last6=Kumar |first6=P |last7=Nair |first7=P J |last8=Varikoden |first8=H |last9=Raj |first9=S|last10=Francis|first10=P A |last11=Pandey |first11=P C |date=2021-01-22 |title=Observed rainfall changes in the past century (1901–2019) over the wettest place on Earth |journal=Environmental Research Letters |volume=16 |issue=2 |pages=024018 |doi=10.1088/1748-9326/abcf78 |bibcode=2021ERL....16b4018K |issn=1748-9326 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Mawsynram receives over {{convert|10,000|mm|in|-1|disp=or}} of rain in an average year, and the vast majority of the rain it gets falls during the [[Monsoon of India|monsoon]] months. A comparison of rainfalls for [[Cherrapunji]] and Mawsynram for some years is given in Table 1.<ref>''The Tribune'', Chandigarh, August 2003. {{full citation needed|date=September 2018}}</ref>
Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. Although it is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres (467.4 in), this claim is disputed by Lloró, Colombia, which reported an average yearly rainfall of 12,717 millimetres (500.7 in) between 1952 and 1989 and López de Micay, also in Colombia, which reported 12,892 mm (507.6 in) per year between 1960 and 2012.  
Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. Although it is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of {{convert|11,872|mm|in|1}}, this claim is disputed by Lloró, Colombia, which reported an average yearly rainfall of {{convert|12,717|mm|in|1}} between 1952 and 1989 and López de Micay, also in Colombia, which reported {{convert|12,892|mm|in|1}} per year between 1960 and 2012. According to the records observed by the Indian Meteorological Department, it was seen that while its neighbour, Cherrapunji is having a significant decreasing trend in rainfall, Mawsynram on the other hand is experiencing a slight increase in its rainfall pattern which put its average annual rainfall from 1950 to 2000 at {{convert|12393|mm|in|1}} and from 2000 to 2020 at {{convert|12120|mm|in|1}}. The precipitation table below shows the average monthly record from 1950 to 2000.


{{weather box
{{weather box
|metric first = yes
| metric first = yes
|single line = yes
| single line = yes
|location = Mawsynram
| location = Mawsynram
 
| Jan high C = 15.5
| Jan high C =15.5
| Feb high C = 16.8
| Feb high C =16.8
| Mar high C = 20.7
| Mar high C =20.7
| Apr high C = 22.1
| Apr high C =22.1
| May high C = 22.5
| May high C =22.5
| Jun high C = 22.3
| Jun high C =22.3
| Jul high C = 22.4
| Jul high C =22.4
| Aug high C = 22.9
| Aug high C =22.9
| Sep high C = 22.8
| Sep high C =22.8
| Oct high C = 22.0
| Oct high C =22.0
| Nov high C = 19.2
| Nov high C =19.2
| Dec high C = 16.6
| Dec high C =16.6
| Jan mean C = 11.2
 
| Feb mean C = 12.8
| Jan mean C =11.2
| Mar mean C = 16.5
| Feb mean C =12.8
| Apr mean C = 18.4
| Mar mean C =16.5
| May mean C = 19.2
| Apr mean C =18.4
| Jun mean C = 19.9
| May mean C =19.2
| Jul mean C = 20.2
| Jun mean C =19.9
| Aug mean C = 20.4
| Jul mean C =20.2
| Sep mean C = 20.3
| Aug mean C =20.4
| Oct mean C = 18.6
| Sep mean C =20.3
| Nov mean C = 15.2
| Oct mean C =18.6
| Dec mean C = 12.3
| Nov mean C =15.2
| Jan low C = 6.9
| Dec mean C =12.3
| Feb low C = 8.8
 
| Mar low C = 12.3
| Jan low C =6.9
| Apr low C = 14.7
| Feb low C =8.8
| May low C = 15.9
| Mar low C =12.3
| Jun low C = 17.5
| Apr low C =14.7
| Jul low C = 18.0
| May low C =15.9
| Aug low C = 18.0
| Jun low C =17.5
| Sep low C = 17.8
| Jul low C =18.0
| Oct low C = 15.3
| Aug low C =18.0
| Nov low C = 11.2
| Sep low C =17.8
| Dec low C = 8.0
| Oct low C =15.3
| Nov low C =11.2
| Dec low C =8.0
 
| precipitation colour = green
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm =17
| Jan precipitation mm = 19
| Feb precipitation mm =30
| Feb precipitation mm = 25
| Mar precipitation mm =163
| Mar precipitation mm = 198
| Apr precipitation mm =451
| Apr precipitation mm = 490
| May precipitation mm =1083
| May precipitation mm = 1436
| Jun precipitation mm =2348
| Jun precipitation mm = 3162
| Jul precipitation mm =2467
| Jul precipitation mm = 3300
| Aug precipitation mm =1714
| Aug precipitation mm = 2330
| Sep precipitation mm =853
| Sep precipitation mm = 1050
| Oct precipitation mm =338
| Oct precipitation mm = 331
| Nov precipitation mm =52
| Nov precipitation mm = 48
| Dec precipitation mm =11
| Dec precipitation mm = 4
|year precipitation mm =11872
| year precipitation mm = 12393
| source = <ref name="Mawsynram climate">{{cite web|url=https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/meghalaya/mawsynram-555127/|title=Mawsynram climate|publisher=Climate-data.org|access-date=March 3, 2020}}</ref>(year rain)<ref name="year-rain"/><ref name="year-rain2"/>
| source = <ref name="Mawsynram climate">{{cite web |url=https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/meghalaya/mawsynram-555127/ |title=Mawsynram climate |publisher=Climate-data.org |access-date=March 3, 2020 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328042958/https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/meghalaya/mawsynram-555127/ |url-status=live }}</ref>(year rain)<ref name="year-rain"/><ref name="year-rain2"/>
}}
}}


Primarily due to the high altitude, it seldom gets truly hot in Mawsynram. Average monthly temperatures range from around 11&nbsp;°C in January to just above 20&nbsp;°C in August. The village also experiences a brief but noticeably drier season from December until February, when monthly precipitation on average does not exceed {{convert|30|mm|in}}. The little precipitation during the village's "low sun" season is something that is shared by many areas with this type of climate.
Primarily due to the high altitude, it seldom gets truly hot in Mawsynram. Average monthly temperatures range from around {{convert|11|°C|°F|1}} in January to just above {{convert|20|°C|°F}} in August. The village also experiences a brief but noticeably drier season from December until February, when monthly precipitation on average does not exceed {{convert|30|mm|in}}. The little precipitation during the village's "low sun" season is something that is shared by many areas with this type of climate.


The following table is a comparison of rainfalls for [[Cherrapunji]] and Mawsynram between 1970 and 2010.
The following table is a comparison of rainfalls for [[Cherrapunji]] and Mawsynram between 1970 and 2010.
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| NA
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|}
Source:<ref>[http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1975.pdf Handbook 1975] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105071233/http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1975.pdf |date=5 November 2018 }} megplanning.gov.in</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1978 |title=Statistical Handbook |url=http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1978.pdf |website=megplanning.gov.in |access-date=19 April 2016 |archive-date=5 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105073042/http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1978.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref>[http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1984.pdf Handbook 1984] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105073254/http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1984.pdf |date=5 November 2018 }} megplanning.gov.in</ref><ref>[http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1987.pdf Handbook 1987] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105071242/http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1987.pdf |date=5 November 2018 }} megplanning.gov.in</ref><ref>[http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1995.pdf Handbook 1995] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105071304/http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1995.pdf |date=5 November 2018 }} megplanning.gov.in</ref><ref>[http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1998.pdf Handbook 1998] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105073326/http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1998.pdf |date=5 November 2018 }} megplanning.gov.in</ref><ref>[http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1992.pdf Handbook 1992] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105071247/http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1992.pdf |date=5 November 2018 }} megplanning.gov.in</ref><ref>[http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/2008.pdf Handbook 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105071325/http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/2008.pdf |date=5 November 2018 }} megplanning.gov.in</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cherrapunjee.com/weather-info/rainfall-chart/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611115953/http://www.cherrapunjee.com/weather-info/rainfall-chart/ |archive-date=11 June 2015 |title=Rainfall Chart {{!}} Cherrapunjee}}</ref>


<ref>http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1975.pdf</ref><ref>http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1978.pdf</ref>
[[File:Nature made Shivalinga in Mawjymbuin Cave Mawsynram Meghalaya India.jpg|thumb|Natural stalagmite in Mawjymbuin Cave, Mawsynram Meghalaya.<ref name="th">[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-scotland-of-the-east/article2259296.ece The Scotland of the East!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129063428/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-scotland-of-the-east/article2259296.ece |date=29 November 2014 }} The Hindu, October 15, 2007</ref>]]
<ref>http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1984.pdf</ref><ref>http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1987.pdf</ref>
<ref>http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1995.pdf</ref><ref>http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1998.pdf</ref><ref>http://megplanning.gov.in/handbook/1992.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.megplanning.gov.in/handbook/2008.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.cherrapunjee.com/weather-info/rainfall-chart/</ref>
 
[[File:Nature made Shivalinga in Mawjymbuin Cave Mawsynram Meghalaya India.jpg|thumb|Natural stalagmite in Mawjymbuin Cave, Mawsynram Meghalaya.<ref name="th">[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-scotland-of-the-east/article2259296.ece The Scotland of the East!] The Hindu, October 15, 2007</ref>]]
Three reasons can be cited for high rainfall at Mawsynram:{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}}
Three reasons can be cited for high rainfall at Mawsynram:{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}}
#The warm moist winds of the northward-moving air from the [[Bay of Bengal]] during the [[Monsoon of India|monsoon]], which cover an extensive area but are forced to converge into the narrower zone over the Khasi Hills, thus concentrating their moisture.{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}}
#The warm moist winds of the northward-moving air from the [[Bay of Bengal]] during the [[Monsoon of India|monsoon]], which cover an extensive area but are forced to converge into the narrower zone over the Khasi Hills, thus concentrating their moisture.{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}}
#The alignment of the Khasi Hills (east to west) places them directly in the path of the airflow from the Bay of Bengal, producing a significant [[Tectonic uplift|uplift]] (plus cooling, further condensation and thus more rain).{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}}
#The alignment of the Khasi Hills (east to west) places them directly in the path of the airflow from the Bay of Bengal, producing a significant [[Tectonic uplift|uplift]] (plus cooling, further condensation and thus more rain).{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}}
#Finally, uplift over the [[Khasi Hills]] is virtually continuous in the [[Monsoon of India|monsoon]] period because the lifted air is constantly being pulled up by vigorous winds in the upper [[atmosphere]]; hence, the rainfall is more or less continuous.{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}}
#Finally, uplift over the Khasi Hills is virtually continuous in the [[Monsoon of India|monsoon]] period because the lifted air is constantly being pulled up by vigorous winds in the upper [[atmosphere]]; hence, the rainfall is more or less continuous.{{Citation needed|date=April 2016}}


===Natural landmarks===
===Natural landmarks===
Located in Mawsynram, is a cave named Mawjymbuin, known for its [[stalagmites]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Khasi Hills: Mawsynram|work=Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya| url = http://megtourism.gov.in/dest-khasi.html | accessdate = 2014-08-23 }}</ref> Inside this cave is a pair of notable [[speleothem]]s - stalactites shaped like a cow's udder over a large stalagmite. The area is known for its many caves, both commercialized and non-commercialized.
Located in Mawsynram, is a cave named Mawjymbuin, known for its [[stalagmites]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Khasi Hills: Mawsynram |work=Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya |url=http://megtourism.gov.in/dest-khasi.html |access-date=2014-08-23 |archive-date=8 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808001426/http://www.megtourism.gov.in/dest-khasi.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Inside this cave is a pair of notable [[speleothem]]s - stalactites shaped like a cow's udder over a large stalagmite (Shivling). The area is known for its many caves, both commercialized and non-commercialized.
[[File:Mawsynram, Meghalaya.jpg|thumb|Mawsynram Landscape]]


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 23:58, 19 March 2026


Mawsynram
Town
Mawsynram is located in Meghalaya
Mawsynram
Mawsynram
Location in Meghalaya, India
Mawsynram is located in India
Mawsynram
Mawsynram
Mawsynram (India)
Coordinates: 25°17′56″N 91°34′53″E / 25.29889°N 91.58139°E / 25.29889; 91.58139
Country India
StateMeghalaya
DistrictEast Khasi Hills
TalukasMawsynram C.D. Block
Area
 • Total2,788 km2 (1,076 sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialEnglish, Khasi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
793113
Telephone code03673
Vehicle registrationML
Nearest cityShillong
ClimateCwb

Mawsynram (/ˈmɔːsɪnˌrʌm/) is a town in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in Northeastern India, 69 km (43 mi) from Shillong, the state capital. Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres (467.4 in).[1][2][3] According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Mawsynram received 26,000 millimetres (1,023.6 in) of rainfall in 1985.[4] Mawsynram received 745.3 millimetres (29.34 in) of rainfall on 19 August 2015.[5] On 17 June 2022, Mawsynram set a new record by receiving 1,003.2 millimetres (39.50 in) in a span of 24 hours which has now become its highest single day record for the month of June and for its all-time single day record, beating its former record of 944.7 mm (37.19 in) on 7 June 1966.

Location[edit | edit source]

Mawsynram
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
17
 
 
16
7
 
 
30
 
 
17
9
 
 
163
 
 
21
12
 
 
451
 
 
22
15
 
 
1083
 
 
23
16
 
 
2348
 
 
22
18
 
 
2467
 
 
22
18
 
 
1714
 
 
23
18
 
 
853
 
 
23
18
 
 
338
 
 
22
15
 
 
52
 
 
19
11
 
 
11
 
 
17
8
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm

Mawsynram is located at 25° 18′ N, 91° 35′ E, at an altitude of about 1,400 meters (4,600 ft), 15 km west of Cherrapunji, in the Khasi Hills in the state of Meghalaya (India).

Climate and rainfall[edit | edit source]

Under the Köppen climate classification, Mawsynram features a subtropical highland climate (Cwb) with an extraordinarily showery, rainy and long monsoonal season and a short dry season. Based on the data of a recent few decades, it appears to be the wettest place in the world, or the place with the highest average annual rainfall.[6] Mawsynram receives over 10,000 millimetres or 390 inches of rain in an average year, and the vast majority of the rain it gets falls during the monsoon months. A comparison of rainfalls for Cherrapunji and Mawsynram for some years is given in Table 1.[7] Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. Although it is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres (467.4 in), this claim is disputed by Lloró, Colombia, which reported an average yearly rainfall of 12,717 millimetres (500.7 in) between 1952 and 1989 and López de Micay, also in Colombia, which reported 12,892 millimetres (507.6 in) per year between 1960 and 2012. According to the records observed by the Indian Meteorological Department, it was seen that while its neighbour, Cherrapunji is having a significant decreasing trend in rainfall, Mawsynram on the other hand is experiencing a slight increase in its rainfall pattern which put its average annual rainfall from 1950 to 2000 at 12,393 millimetres (487.9 in) and from 2000 to 2020 at 12,120 millimetres (477.2 in). The precipitation table below shows the average monthly record from 1950 to 2000.

Climate data for Mawsynram
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 15.5
(59.9) 		16.8
(62.2) 		20.7
(69.3) 		22.1
(71.8) 		22.5
(72.5) 		22.3
(72.1) 		22.4
(72.3) 		22.9
(73.2) 		22.8
(73.0) 		22.0
(71.6) 		19.2
(66.6) 		16.6
(61.9) 		20.5
(68.9)
Daily mean °C (°F) 11.2
(52.2) 		12.8
(55.0) 		16.5
(61.7) 		18.4
(65.1) 		19.2
(66.6) 		19.9
(67.8) 		20.2
(68.4) 		20.4
(68.7) 		20.3
(68.5) 		18.6
(65.5) 		15.2
(59.4) 		12.3
(54.1) 		17.1
(62.8)
Average low °C (°F) 6.9
(44.4) 		8.8
(47.8) 		12.3
(54.1) 		14.7
(58.5) 		15.9
(60.6) 		17.5
(63.5) 		18.0
(64.4) 		18.0
(64.4) 		17.8
(64.0) 		15.3
(59.5) 		11.2
(52.2) 		8.0
(46.4) 		13.7
(56.7)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 19
(0.7) 		25
(1.0) 		198
(7.8) 		490
(19.3) 		1,436
(56.5) 		3,162
(124.5) 		3,300
(129.9) 		2,330
(91.7) 		1,050
(41.3) 		331
(13.0) 		48
(1.9) 		4
(0.2) 		12,393
(487.9)
Source: [8](year rain)[1][2]

Primarily due to the high altitude, it seldom gets truly hot in Mawsynram. Average monthly temperatures range from around 11 °C (51.8 °F) in January to just above 20 °C (68 °F) in August. The village also experiences a brief but noticeably drier season from December until February, when monthly precipitation on average does not exceed 30 millimetres (1.2 in). The little precipitation during the village's "low sun" season is something that is shared by many areas with this type of climate.

The following table is a comparison of rainfalls for Cherrapunji and Mawsynram between 1970 and 2010.

Year Cherrapunji Rainfall (mm) Mawsynram Rainfall (mm)
2010 13 472 14 234
2009 9 070 12 459
2008 11 415 12 670
2007 12 647 13 302
2006 8 734 8 082
2005 9 758 10 072
2004 14 791 14 026
2003 10 499 11 767
2002 12 262 11 118
2001 9 071 10 765
2000 11 221 13 561
1999 12 503 13 445
1998 14 536 16 720
1997 8 993 9 892
1996 12 989 12 850
1995 14 189 13 832
1994 11 194 10 940
1993 12 807 13 848
1992 8 537 10 450
1991 13 494 16 112
1990 11 598 12 934
1989 13 432 8 828
1988 17 948 16 750
1987 13 153 NA
1986 8 140 NA
1985 11 816 26 000
1984 16 761 25 613
1983 9 773 12 163
1982 10 468 9 246
1981 9 113 9 739
1980 9 133 9 739
1979 12 095 NA
1978 6 950 NA
1977 11 689 11 986
1976 11 012 6 134
1975 11 976 10 639
1974 24 554 NA
1973 10 911 NA
1972 11 095 NA
1971 16 915 NA
1970 15 318 NA

Source:[9][10] [11][12][13][14][15][16][17]

Natural stalagmite in Mawjymbuin Cave, Mawsynram Meghalaya.[18]

Three reasons can be cited for high rainfall at Mawsynram:[citation needed]

  1. The warm moist winds of the northward-moving air from the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon, which cover an extensive area but are forced to converge into the narrower zone over the Khasi Hills, thus concentrating their moisture.[citation needed]
  2. The alignment of the Khasi Hills (east to west) places them directly in the path of the airflow from the Bay of Bengal, producing a significant uplift (plus cooling, further condensation and thus more rain).[citation needed]
  3. Finally, uplift over the Khasi Hills is virtually continuous in the monsoon period because the lifted air is constantly being pulled up by vigorous winds in the upper atmosphere; hence, the rainfall is more or less continuous.[citation needed]

Natural landmarks[edit | edit source]

Located in Mawsynram, is a cave named Mawjymbuin, known for its stalagmites.[19] Inside this cave is a pair of notable speleothems - stalactites shaped like a cow's udder over a large stalagmite (Shivling). The area is known for its many caves, both commercialized and non-commercialized.

Mawsynram Landscape

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Global Weather & Climate Extremes". Arizona State University World Meteorological Organization. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Meghalaya: The Wettest Place on Earth". The Atlantic. 22 August 2014. Archived from the original on 7 January 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  3. ↑ "Mawsynram, India". National Geographic. 4 February 2013. Archived from the original on 5 October 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  4. ↑ "Know about Mawsynram in Meghalaya which witnessed the world's highest rainfall". DNA India. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  5. ↑ Das, Manosh (21 August 2015). "Mawsynram rains on Sohra parade, again". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  6. ↑ Kuttippurath, J; Murasingh, S; Stott, P A; Sarojini, B Balan; Jha, Madan K; Kumar, P; Nair, P J; Varikoden, H; Raj, S; Francis, P A; Pandey, P C (22 January 2021). "Observed rainfall changes in the past century (1901–2019) over the wettest place on Earth". Environmental Research Letters. 16 (2): 024018. Bibcode:2021ERL....16b4018K. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/abcf78. ISSN 1748-9326.
  7. ↑ The Tribune, Chandigarh, August 2003. [full citation needed]
  8. ↑ "Mawsynram climate". Climate-data.org. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  9. ↑ Handbook 1975 Archived 5 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine megplanning.gov.in
  10. ↑ "Statistical Handbook" (PDF). megplanning.gov.in. 1978. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  11. ↑ Handbook 1984 Archived 5 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine megplanning.gov.in
  12. ↑ Handbook 1987 Archived 5 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine megplanning.gov.in
  13. ↑ Handbook 1995 Archived 5 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine megplanning.gov.in
  14. ↑ Handbook 1998 Archived 5 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine megplanning.gov.in
  15. ↑ Handbook 1992 Archived 5 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine megplanning.gov.in
  16. ↑ Handbook 2008 Archived 5 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine megplanning.gov.in
  17. ↑ "Rainfall Chart | Cherrapunjee". Archived from the original on 11 June 2015.
  18. ↑ The Scotland of the East! Archived 29 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine The Hindu, October 15, 2007
  19. ↑ "Khasi Hills: Mawsynram". Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya. Archived from the original on 8 August 2018. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  • Middleton, Nick. Going to Extremes. Pan, 2012.

External links[edit | edit source]

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