Rainmaker & Atmo Partner to Enhance Cloud Seeding Technology

Rainmaker and Atmo Announce Strategic Partnership

Rainmaker, a company specializing in cloud seeding, is forming a partnership with Atmo, a startup leveraging artificial intelligence for meteorological forecasting. This collaboration was revealed exclusively to TechCrunch.

The two companies address different aspects of weather management. Atmo concentrates on analyzing atmospheric conditions to predict weather occurrences, while Rainmaker utilizes this information to enhance precipitation from existing weather systems.

Leveraging AI for Targeted Cloud Seeding

Through this partnership, Atmo will employ its advanced deep learning models to pinpoint clouds suitable for seeding operations. Furthermore, Atmo will integrate Rainmaker’s cloud-seeding services, which are delivered via compact drones, into its offerings for clients.

In return, Rainmaker will share data gathered from its unique radar technology. This data will be used to assess the volume of rainfall generated by the seeded clouds.

Addressing Recent Misconceptions

Rainmaker has recently been the subject of unsubstantiated claims. Conspiracy theories have circulated alleging that their cloud-seeding activities in Texas contributed to recent flooding events.

However, multiple atmospheric scientists consulted by TechCrunch have refuted these assertions, stating they are unfounded.

“There is a clear attempt to assign blame,” explained Bob Rauber, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois, in a recent interview with TechCrunch.

The Limited Impact of Cloud Seeding

While cloud seeding can encourage increased precipitation, the effect is relatively small when compared to the scale of a major storm. For example, a documented case in Idaho yielded an additional 186 million gallons of precipitation.

This amount is insignificant when contrasted with the “trillions of gallons of water” typically processed by a large storm system, as noted by Rauber.

Widespread Use and Regional Variations

Cloud seeding is a common practice across the Western United States, primarily to increase snowpack and subsequently bolster water supplies in reservoirs during the summer months.

It is also utilized in areas like West Texas to attempt to stimulate more rainfall from summer storms, although the results have generally been limited.

The West Texas Weather Modification Association, a previous collaborator with Rainmaker, reports that cloud seeding in that region has resulted in approximately a 15% increase in precipitation, equating to roughly two inches annually.

Cloud Type and Effectiveness

The modest results in West Texas are likely due to the characteristics of the clouds present. These clouds do not respond to seeding in the same manner as those found in mountainous regions of the Western U.S., according to Rauber.

Rainstorms, already naturally inclined to release substantial precipitation, are even less susceptible to the effects of cloud seeding, he added.