What Are the Worst U.S. Cities for Rainfall?
Don’t assume Seattle’s rainy reputation would mean it tops the list of the rainiest cities in the world. The reality is that the cities that have the highest number of rainy days don’t always line up with the cities that get the largest volume of precipitation.
For example, Appalachia isn’t typically considered to be rainy, but in 2024, the wet conditions were record-breaking. Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding and disaster conditions throughout the region. Asheville, NC, received over 66 inches of rain in 2024, enough to place it in the top ten American cities for total rainfall. Four other North Carolina cities ranked in the top 30.
Where exactly are the rainiest cities in the U.S.?
Let’s look at two rankings of the rainiest cities in the U.S. — one that ranks the major U.S. cities that have the highest number of rainy days and another that ranks American cities that receive the most precipitation.
Which Places Had the Most Rainfall in 2024?
Rain patterns vary each year. In 2024, the annual precipitation report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the significant rainfall that happened in the South.
Even in areas known for wet weather, many of these states broke records for the wettest year ever recorded.
For example, Tampa, FL, is a rainy city. It typically receives about 49 inches of rain per year, but in 2024, rainfall was about 80 inches. A long and powerful hurricane season led to increased rainfall, testing the area’s storm management systems.
In Louisiana, there was an uptick in interest in water management systems, including sump pumps and basement waterproofing both, as water management solutions and as preventative measures.
While the Midwest was flooding, other areas of the country had the opposite weather pattern. Parts of the Southeast, like Chattanooga, TN, received much lower levels of precipitation than is typical for a rainy city in the South.
Precipitation data were collected from weather stations across the country. The cumulative data shows which cities in the U.S. had the most average annual rainfall and precipitation.
30 Cities with the Most Precipitation in 2024
- New Orleans, LA — 83.34 inches of rain
- Fort Myers, FL — 80.46 inches of rain
- Tampa, FL — 80.3 inches of rain
- Astoria, OR — 73.96 inches of rain
- Shreveport, LA — 72.47 inches of rain
- Lafayette, LA — 71.26 inches of rain
- Miami, FL — 69.59 inches of rain
- Jackson, MS — 66.99 inches of rain
- Mobile, AL — 66.12 inches of rain
- Asheville, NC — 66.07 inches of rain
- Baton Rouge, LA — 65.89 inches of rain
- Monroe, LA — 64.48 inches of rain
- West Palm Beach, FL — 63.29 inches of rain
- Atlanta, GA — 63.18 inches of rain
- Columbus, GA — 63.04 inches of rain
- Jacksonville, FL — 62.83 inches of rain
- Tallahassee, FL — 62.46 inches of rain
- Providence, RI — 62.25 inches of rain
- Memphis, TN — 61.61 inches of rain
- Paducah, KY — 58.55 inches of rain
- Little Rock, AR — 58.46 inches of rain
- Eureka, CA — 57.9 inches of rain
- Savannah, GA — 56.62 inches of rain
- Knoxville, TN — 55.99 inches of rain
- Fort Smith, AR — 55.96 inches of rain
- Greensboro, NC — 55.94 inches of rain
- Tupelo, MS — 54.95 inches of rain
- Raleigh, NC — 54.24 inches of rain
- Cape Hatteras, NC — 53.24 inches of rain
- Wilmington, NC — 52.66 inches of rain
Which Cities Have The Most Rainy Days?
The other way to measure the rainiest cities in the U.S. is to look at the number of rainy days per year.
Keep in mind that weather patterns vary. Rainy days don’t necessarily mean gloomy days.
For example, in the city of Hilo on the eastern shore of Hawaii’s Big Island, it rains about three out of every four days, making it one of the rainiest cities in the world. The regular rainstorms contribute to the island’s lush beauty, picturesque rainbows, and dramatic waterfalls.
On the other hand, Alaska is home to many of the wettest cities, but in these cases, the weather events aren’t tropical rainstorms but snow squalls. When it comes to the continental U.S., the Midwest and Pacific Northwest lead the way.
The data below from NOAA shows the average number of days per year where each city had at least 0.01 inch of precipitation, including rain and snow.
10 Cities With The Most Rainy/Snowy Days
- Syracuse, NY — 172 days per year
- Buffalo, NY — 167 days per year
- Erie, PA — 162 days per year
- Rochester, NY — 162 days per year
- Akron, OH — 156 days per year
- Cleveland, OH — 156 days per year
- Seattle, WA — 156 days per year
- Pittsburgh, PA — 154 days per year
- Portland, OR — 153 days per year
- Grand Rapids, MI — 147 days per year
Can Rain Damage Your Foundation?
Rainwater has a significant impact on your home’s foundation, particularly if not properly managed. When rainwater accumulates around the foundation, it can lead to soil expansion, exerting pressure on foundation walls and potentially causing cracks and structural damage.
This hydrostatic pressure can weaken the foundation over time, leading to issues like bowing walls, water seepage, and even basement flooding.
Excessive moisture from rainwater can erode the soil beneath the foundation, causing uneven settling or sinking. This settlement can manifest as cracks in walls, uneven floors, and misaligned doors and windows.
Improper drainage or clogged gutters can exacerbate these issues, directing more water towards the foundation. To protect the foundation, it’s crucial to ensure proper drainage, maintain gutters and downspouts, and consider waterproofing solutions to prevent water entry and its detrimental effects on the structural integrity of your home.
Contact Groundworks For Expert Water Management
If you find yourself struggling with the challenges brought on by rain, Groundworks offers a range of effective solutions to safeguard your home.
Our lineup includes interior drains and sump pumps, specifically designed to manage and redirect excess water, thus preventing water damage and flooding. Our wall vapor barriers are an excellent defense against moisture intrusion, keeping your basement walls dry and protected. To tackle the issue of humidity, our dehumidifiers play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
What truly sets Groundworks apart is our team of local experts, who bring years of experience and in-depth knowledge specific to your area’s climate and geographical challenges. This expertise makes us the best choice for you and your home, ensuring personalized and efficient solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Trust Groundworks to be your partner in weathering the storm and keeping your home safe and dry, rain or shine.
Are you concerned about heavy rains in your area? Get a free inspection from your local Groundworks basement waterproofing and foundation repair experts.
