The most inches of rain recorded in one day is 71.8 inches.
World Record for 24-Hour Rainfall
The highest amount of rainfall ever officially recorded within a 24-hour period reached an extraordinary 71.8 inches (1.825 meters). This incredible meteorological event occurred on January 7-8, 1966, in Foc-Foc, La Réunion, an island located in the Indian Ocean.
This record-breaking rainfall was a result of a powerful tropical cyclone. The measurement was meticulously captured using a tipping-bucket rain gauge, an instrument widely recognized for its accuracy in recording precipitation.
Key Details of the Record
To ensure the integrity and validity of extreme weather records, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) undertakes formal reviews. This particular record underwent a comprehensive review in 2010 and was formally verified, solidifying its status as the world's greatest 24-hour rainfall.
Here's a summary of the record-setting event:
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Record Value | 71.8 inches (1.825 meters) |
| Date of Record | January 7-8, 1966 |
| Location | Foc-Foc, La Réunion |
| Formal WMO Review | Yes (2010) |
| Instrumentation Used | Tipping-Bucket Rain Gauge |
Such extreme rainfall events underscore the immense power of weather systems and their potential impact on local environments and infrastructure.
