While London is often stereotyped as the city that rains all year round, new data reveals a surprising truth: Mexico City (CDMX) receives significantly more rain per year than its British counterpart.
According to climate analysis website Climate Data, London averages 609 mm of rainfall annually, with consistent monthly distribution. In stark contrast, CDMX receives approximately 1,004 mm of rain per year, but concentrated in just five months – June to October. This period is often marked by heavy downpours, hail, and thunderstorms.
So, why does CDMX experience more rain than London? The explanation lies in the city’s unique geography and atmospheric conditions. Located between the two tropics at high altitude, Mexico City generates powerful “updrafts” that cause water vapor to rise, cool, and condense into liquid water droplets or ice crystals.
As a result, CDMX’s main rainfall is often in the form of hail that melts upon impact, resulting in large raindrops. Thunderstorms are also common due to the friction between ice crystals generating lightning. In contrast, London’s lower altitude and temperate latitude produce clouds formed by small liquid water droplets, leading to persistent drizzle rather than intense storms.
The next time you’re caught in a downpour in CDMX, remember that it’s no exaggeration – it does rain here more than in London. The difference is that our rainfall comes all at once, often with thunder, lightning, and hail included.
This fascinating information was compiled by physics major Fernanda Torres, who shares more science facts on Pulpo Culto’s Instagram account.
Source: CDMX Secreta
