Unequal Distribution of Global Precipitation

Rainfall across the globe is anything but uniform. Some regions receive tens of meters of precipitation each year, while others see almost none. A map by Perrin Remonté shows areas colored blue where annual precipitation exceeds one meter, and in yellow/orange/red where it’s less.

Vivid Maps highlighted the wettest and driest spots on Earth.

Regions like López de Micay in Colombia, Mawsynram in India or Big Bog in Hawaii are drenched by warm, moisture-rich winds forced upward by terrain. On the dry side, places like Antarctica’s McMurdo Dry Valleys receive almost no precipitation, thanks to katabatic winds and extreme cold.

The world map below created the Vivid Maps team shows distribution of global precipitation by country.

World map of unequal distribution of global precipitation

Countries at the top include Colombia, São Tomé & Príncipe, Papua New Guinea; at the bottom are Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Qatar among the driest.

But precipitation extremes aren’t just an environmental story—they shape how people live and feel. Where the air is persistently damp or extremely dry, outdoor conditions spill into indoor spaces and affect our health. Research suggests indoor relative humidity of about 40–60 % supports respiratory health, while levels below roughly 30–40 % dry out airways and make it easier for viruses to spread. Excessive humidity above 60–65 % encourages mould, mildew and dust mites, aggravating asthma and allergie. High moisture also makes hot weather feel more dangerous because sweat can’t evaporate as well, raising heat-stress risk. In other words, both drought and damp bring challenges—not just to ecosystems but to our bodies.

Amazon product suggestions:

Below are links to items that help regulate indoor humidity. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Honeywell Cool Mist Humidifier – raises humidity in dry indoor air
Levoit Smart Hygrometer – monitor indoor humidity
Frigidaire Dehumidifier – reduce excess moisture

Have you lived in a place that was really dry or really humid and noticed health effects? Share your experience in the comments — what worked, what didn’t.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Comments

Map of Fox Species Distribution

Foxes are small to medium-sized members of the Canidae family, which also includes wolves, dogs, and other related animals. There are about 37 species of foxes distributed around the world, and they inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban areas. Below is the map of fox species distribution created by Reddit user isaacSW Here are some of the most well-known fox species and their distribution: Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes ): The red fox is one of the most widely distributed fox species and is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Arctic Fox ( Vulpes lagopus ): The Arctic fox is found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They have adaptations that help them survive in cold climates, such as a thick coat that changes color with the seasons. Gray Fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ): The gray ...

Moose population in North America

The moose ( Alces alces ) is the largest member of the deer family, characterized by its massive size, long legs, and distinctive broad, palmate antlers found in males. They have a dark brown or black coat and a humped shoulder. Moose are primarily found in the boreal and mixed deciduous forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are solitary animals, often found near bodies of water, and are herbivores that feed on leaves, bark, twigs, and aquatic vegetation. Despite their size, moose are strong swimmers and can run up to 35 miles per hour. The moose population in North America is shrinking swiftly. This decrease has been correlated to the opening of roadways and landscapes into this animal's north range. In North America, the moose range includes almost all of Canada and Alaska, the northern part of New England and New York, the upper Rocky Mountains, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and Isle Royale. In 2014-2015, the North Americ...

Fallingwater: Where Architecture Meets the Wild

Located in southwestern Pennsylvania's woods, Fallingwater is not a house, but a powerful conversation between nature and architecture. Completed in 1935 by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kaufmanns, it's one of the only buildings that truly does seem alive—as if it grew directly out of the rock. What is so revolutionary about Fallingwater isn't its appearance—it's Wright's philosophy of organic architecture: the idea that houses are there to harmonize with nature, not dominate it. The house was actually constructed into the land, resting directly above a waterfall on Bear Run. Instead of looking out over the waterfall, Wright built the waterfall into the house, and the sound of running water is therefore a constant companion. Crafted From the Land, For the Land The materials used to build Fallingwater tell their own story. The stone was quarried on-site. Local craftsmen helped shape every contour. The horizontal lines of the cantilevered terraces echo the layered rock...

Ecoclimax

Search This Blog