On July 5, 2025, discussions surrounding Texas’s long-standing cloud seeding efforts resurfaced following reports of unusual rainfall patterns, including observations of blue-tinted rain in Texas National Parks. The Texas Weather Modification Act of 1967 established the state’s weather modification program, which has been active for decades, with operations covering between 31 and 51 million acres since 1997. The program involves seven major initiatives, including the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District Rainfall Enhancement Program, operating over 4 million acres, and the South Texas Weather Modification Association, aimed at boosting precipitation in drought-prone areas. Posts found on X indicate that the program has been linked to an average rainfall increase of about 10% in targeted regions, based on studies spanning 57 years. Recent data from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows that in 2024, over 30 cloud seeding flights were conducted, deploying approximately 1,200 flares containing silver iodide to stimulate cloud development. The latest reports, dated July 5, highlight a spike in rainfall totals, with some areas recording up to 5 inches in a single day, aligning with active seeding operations. The state allocated $2.5 million for weather modification in the 2025 budget, supporting 12 operational units. No official statements confirm a direct correlation between cloud seeding and the blue rain phenomenon, though investigations are ongoing to assess environmental impacts. The program continues to operate, with plans for 35 flights scheduled through October 2025.
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