Wettest Place in Britain: Strontian, Scotland—Orographic Rainfall Explained

Strontian, a village on Scotland's west coast, is Britain's wettest place, averaging 4,500 mm (177 in) annual rainfall.

Why? Strontian sits in a valley between the Moidart Hills (north) and Ardgour Hills (south). Prevailing moist westerly winds from the Atlantic hit these mountains, forcing air to rise, cool, and condense—orographic lift—dumping massive rainfall. This "rain shadow" effect makes the west coast of Scotland exceptionally wet.