rainfall

The ancient Maya believed that the underworld of caves was home to gods that controlled rainfall and harvest bounties.

The Golden State got slammed by record-low rainfall in 2013 and remains frighteningly dry despite a few recent storms.

That state had its lowest rainfall (and its second-hottest weather) in recorded history in 2011.

And in the last two years, rainfall, which averages 34 inches annually, has fallen at about half that rate.

The nearest place with average rainfall is about 60 miles away.

The heaviest rainfall usually occurs, however, during the summer.

Rainfall typically is abundant and well-distributed throughout the year.

Thus the Gulf Stream, directly and indirectly, probably contributes more than half the rainfall about the Atlantic basin.

In general, the central parts of continents are likely to receive much less rainfall than their peripheral portions.

On this account the rainfall in countries placed under such conditions is commonly small.