The internet of things is now used to coordinate operations of the different stations, making weather modification work more efficient, said Li Guangming, director of the Wuwei weather modification office.

In Tianzhu county's Dashui village, the base set up by the Wuwei weather modification office is greatly valued by the villagers.

"This year, we have more rain. Our pastures are growing very well," said Chang Zhicheng, village Party secretary.

Chang expects a better income this year because his ewes gave birth to scores of lambs in the spring.

"The grass is growing well, and it provides enough food for the sheep. This is mostly due to weather modification," he said, adding that villagers needed to thank all those who had worked so hard to make more rain.

Since late June, Wuwei has been experiencing scorching weather that has caused the Xiying reservoir in the upper reaches of the city to almost dry up.

On the afternoon of Aug 10, Lu Yinshou, a member of the reservoir management office who was away on vocational training, received a message on his mobile phone that rain was forecast for the mountainous area six hours later.

He immediately called the commander in charge of local weather modification and was told that atmospheric conditions were favorable for inducing artificial precipitation.

Lu left for the station at once on his motorbike.

"Xiying is ready, please apply for airspace," Lu said as he arrived at the station 20 minutes before rain was predicted.

The rain was on its way!