Free exchange of accurate information regarding the efficacy, safety, methodology and cost-effectiveness of weather modification activities. "

OUR VISION

Upcoming Events

Plan to Attend the Conference

Upcoming Association Meetings

Join us in the Spring of 2026 for the 2026 Annual Weather Modification Association Conference. More details will be posted on our Meetings page. We are looking forward to seeing members there!

What is Cloud Seeding?

A few of Our Most Popular Questions

Weather Modification can be both planned, as is the case in cloud seeding, or inadvertent, for example, when pollution affects visibility. Planned (deliberate) weather modification is also commonly know as cloud seeding, cloud modification, or atmospheric water management.

How Does It Work?

Cloud seeding, or commonly referred to as weather modification, is the treatment of individual clouds or cloud systems in an attempt to achieve a desired beneficial effect, including fog and hail mitigation, and additional precipitation in the form of either rain or snow. Cloud seeding is conducted from the ground or via aircraft by pyrotechnic flares and/or liquid fuel generators.  Please visit the FAQ page for more information on seeding concepts and materials.

Is It Effective?

Yes, it can be very successful. Seeding agent and methodologies used in present day operations have been developed and refined over 60 years. Studies have shown certain clouds or stages of cloud development are susceptible to seeding while others are not. Various analysis show that cloud seeding technologies can increase area-wide seasonal precipitation by 5-15% and suppress damaging hail by 25-75% when effectively applied to suitable clouds. Advances in radar data processing and evaluation techniques are helping to provide additional insight into the effectiveness of cloud seeding.

Is it Environmentally Safe?

Published scientific literature clearly shows no environmentally harmful effects arising from cloud seeding with silver iodide (AgI) aerosols have been observed, nor would they be expected to occur. Based on this work, the WMA finds silver iodide is environmentally safe as it is currently being used in the conduct of cloud seeding programs. Click the link below to see the complete WMA Environmental Impact Statement on this topic and for a bibliography of accredited sources.

Weather Modification Certified Managers, Operators, Pilots and Field Technicians

Why Does It Matter? What are the Benefits?

WMA certifications are based on criteria that are intended to ensure the administrative, meteorological, aviation, and technical understanding, as well as commitment to ethical principles, of those conducting and managing cloud seeding operations. These principles are outlined in the ASCE guidelines for weather modification. The utilization of certified members for seeding programs is of benefit to the public, both in helping to recognize and take advantage of seeding opportunities during storm events, as well as recognizing and responding to potentially hazardous situations where seeding may not be desirable. Certification is based on criteria that include education, experience in the field of weather modification, and in-depth knowledge of the corresponding meteorological/aviation/field technician processes.

If you are interested in becoming a certified member, click the Qualifications & Procedures button below. In order to become certified, you must be a member of the Weather Modification Association.

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