Rain

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Rain is an atmospheric phenomenon, when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses and starts falling to the ground. Rainfall is an integral part of the water cycle and many human activities, such as agriculture, although the Great War and the climate change brought by it has changed rainfall patterns, and nuclear fallout could accumulate in rain to the point it could start glowing.^[1]

Very radioactive radstorms necessitating cleanup procedure and the use of RadAway were a common problem shortly after the Great War,^[2] with some taking the form of a horrific black rain: Rain mixed with fallout and particulate from burning cities.^[3]

Rain by region[]

Appalachia[]

The mountainous region experiences regular rainfall on both sides of the Appalachians, sometimes combining with mist.^[4] The US Army attempted to create a weather manipulation device at the ATLAS Observatory, and actually experienced some success with the prototype, initiating light rainfall over a localized area by March 2076.^[5] Although full funding was secured by August 77,^[6] the project was abruptly shuttered and all data falsified or destroyed by October.^[7]

Contamination was a problem in Appalachia: Acid rain was a common occurrence in the region before the War due to extensive mining, polluting the groundwater. Vault-Tec University apparently helped monitor groundwater contamination as part of its PR efforts.^[8]

In the early post-War era, rainfall was large enough to cause the usual threats of slipping,^[9] and was even considered a nuisance,^[10] making laundry wet,^[11] soaking survivors,^[12][13] and turning ground into mud difficult to cross.^[11] It also played havoc on equipment, causing weapons to jam and causing shorts in exposed electrical wiring,^[14] sparing only reinforced systems.^[15] Even the sound mattered: A drizzle was calming for some, helping them sleep.^[16] Others absolutely hated it.^[13] Its effects were used as an advantage by the raiders.^[17]

Rainwater was also a source of potable water,^[18] and, if cleaned up, a potential ingredient in some of the region's recipes.^[19]

Capital Wasteland[]

The region on the border of the former states of Maryland and Virginia experiences regular rainfall, particularly close to the mouth of the Potomac.^[20] However, due to climate changes, it's not uncommon for it to experience long periods without any rainfall.^[21]

Commonwealth[]

Rainfall is a regular occurrence in the temperate regions of former Massachusetts.^[22]

Mojave Wasteland[]

Rain is almost entirely absent from the Mojave Wasteland, as it was for centuries, due to it existing in a natural rain shadow. As a result, communities rely on deep wells or water imports, rather than counting on the extremely infrequent rainfall.^{[Non-game 1]}

New California[]

Rainfall in New California depended greatly on location. While Boneyard communities had to put up with a seemingly perpetually overcast sky and regular rains,^[23] the situation was different further inland, especially in the north, where a distinct rain season could be identified. Around 2241, northern New California suffered a devastating drought impacting all communities. Modoc was affected particularly strongly, as it relied on regular rainfall to irrigate its crops and replenish its wells. While not unprecedented, the 2241 drought caused much of the supply to dry up, with much of Modoc's crops dead or dying from lack of water,^[24] withering away under a cloudless sky.^[25] Drinking water became a precious commodity,^[26] and the town became increasingly desperate for rain.^[27] Other communities suffered less: Gecko crops grew relatively normally,^[28] though rainfall was limited.^[29] Storms were also occurring in New Reno.^[30]

Zion Canyon[]

Rainfall is a regular occurrence within this region of Utah.^[31]

Gameplay[]

Fallout: New Vegas[]

Rain was added in the Fallout: New Vegas add-on Honest Hearts to better depict the setting of Zion Canyon.

Fallout 4[]

Rain and fog can appear as part of the dynamic weather system. There's also one special gameplay feature:

• Fried fog crawler meal added in Far Harbor increases Damage Resistance in foggy and rainy weather.

Fallout 76[]

Rain and fog can appear as part of the dynamic weather system. While in other games it's a decoration or a mentioned-only element of lore, apart from Far Harbor, here it starts playing a larger role:

• Fried fog crawler meal increases Damage Resistance in foggy and rainy weather.
• Storm Chaser perk increases health regeneration while outside in the rain or radstorms.

References[]

Non-game