Science

Drones Take to the Sky for Cloud Seeding

Companies like Rainmaker are using drones to increase rainfall and snowfall in drought-prone regions as new technology brings renewed attention to cloud seeding.

Hard rain on a roof covered with felt and tar paper in Gåseberg, Lysekil Municipality, Sweden. The black and white version has been altered using a monochrome purple filter. — *Hard rain on a roof covered with felt and tar pap…* Hard Rain On A Roof Covered With Felt And Tar Paper In Gsebe 2198 Source Own work Author W.carter CC1

By Free News Press Editorial Team

Published October 7, 2026 at 2:42 AM PDT

Companies like Rainmaker are now using drones to carry out cloud seeding operations. These operations take place in states such as Idaho and Utah as well as Colorado. Rainmaker also works in regions like Jordan in the Middle East.

The practice of seeding clouds began in 1946 when researchers from General Electric used dry ice as the first seeding agent according to the BBC. Although cloud seeding can increase precipitation under suitable conditions its overall effectiveness varies.

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique designed to increase rain or snowfall by introducing tiny particles into existing clouds. Aircraft or drones release substances such as silver iodide or salt particles into clouds that contain enough moisture. Silver iodide helps supercooled water droplets freeze into ice crystals while salt particles can encourage water droplets to grow and combine. As these particles become larger and heavier they may fall to the ground as rain or snow depending on atmospheric conditions. Cloud seeding cannot create clouds or produce rain from clear skies because suitable clouds and moisture must already be present. Scientists have found that cloud seeding can increase precipitation under favorable conditions although results vary depending on cloud type and weather patterns. The technology is used in drought-prone regions to help increase water supplies and mountain snowpack.

Recent years have seen renewed interest and innovation in the field from companies like Rainmaker. Utah assistant state climatologist Jon Meyer has expressed encouragement at this development.

Another person working on new approaches is Olivia Li. She is developing alternatives to silver iodide which has long been used in cloud seeding.

The use of drones brings new possibilities for how seeding agents are delivered to clouds. It allows for more precise targeting and better control over where the seeding occurs.

This shift from traditional methods to modern technology could change how weather is influenced. Cloud seeding has been around for decades but recent improvements in drone capabilities could make operations more precise and efficient.

The goal remains to increase rainfall in areas that need it most. These efforts are especially important in drought-prone regions.

Rainmaker’s work is part of a growing movement to improve and modernize weather modification techniques. Newer companies are bringing fresh ideas to an industry that has seen little change in years.

Olivia Li’s research into new seeding materials could lead to more efficient methods. Her company Recast Systems is testing a biodegradable protein-based alternative that could reduce reliance on silver iodide.

The future of cloud seeding looks promising with these advancements. Drones and new materials are expanding the possibilities for influencing precipitation under suitable weather conditions. However cloud seeding cannot create clouds or guarantee additional rainfall.

These developments could help communities better manage water resources during dry seasons.