Cloud seeding is a process designed to enhance precipitation by introducing substances into the atmosphere that serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. Chemicals such as silver iodide or sodium chloride are commonly dispersed from aircraft or ground-based generators into clouds, encouraging water droplets to coalesce and fall as rain or snow. This technique has been explored for decades as a potential tool to mitigate drought, replenish reservoirs, and support agricultural productivity. Its effectiveness depends on factors like existing cloud density, humidity, and temperature, meaning results can vary significantly from one region to another. While some studies report measurable increases in rainfall, others suggest that the impact may be limited or difficult to separate from natural weather variability, making scientific assessment challenging.

The scientific principles underlying cloud seeding draw on meteorology and atmospheric physics. Ice nucleation plays a critical role in the formation of precipitation in colder clouds, while in warmer clouds, condensation nuclei facilitate the growth of water droplets until they are heavy enough to fall. Atmospheric monitoring, computer modeling, and field experiments are combined to determine the optimal timing and method for seeding. Advances in technology, such as drones and high-resolution radar, have improved the precision of these operations, potentially increasing the reliability of results. Despite these improvements, cloud seeding remains inherently probabilistic, as weather systems are influenced by complex, interconnected factors that are often unpredictable.

The ethical and environmental implications of cloud seeding provoke significant debate. Intervening in natural weather patterns raises questions about unintended consequences, such as altering rainfall distribution in ways that could harm ecosystems or neighboring communities. Legal and geopolitical concerns also emerge when seeding in one area may affect precipitation downstream, creating potential conflicts over water rights and resource allocation. Additionally, the long-term environmental impact of chemicals used in cloud seeding is still under study, prompting calls for careful monitoring and regulation. These ethical considerations highlight the need to balance technological potential with social responsibility, ensuring that weather modification is applied in a manner that is both scientifically informed and ethically sound.