Local governments in dry areas across China -- as in other countries -- have long sought to wring more rain from the sky for crops and reservoirs.

WSJ: Blizzard Renews Storm Over China Making Snow

The sulfur dioxide and soot thrown off results not only in a polluted atmosphere but also acid rain that falls on a third of China's cities.

FORBES: Pollution And Prosperity

The China Daily reported Friday that a late July rainstorm in Beijing led to a stellar 541 mm of rain in one part of town.

FORBES: On Floods, China Blames Climate Change