Declassified CIA Files Reveal Cold War Weather Modification Programs

During Johnson’s presidency, the U.S

One was Project Stormfury, a federal effort aimed at weakening hurricanes by flying aircraft into storm systems and seeding clouds with silver iodide in an attempt to disrupt storm structure.

Johnson even referenced efforts involving a hurricane near Florida in a letter included among the documents.

Another program, Project Popeye, became one of the most controversial weather modification efforts in U.S

Beginning in 1967 during the Vietnam War, the U. S. military conducted cloud-seeding operations intended to extend monsoon conditions over enemy supply routes, particularly along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The objective was to increase rainfall, create mudslides, and disrupt troop and supply movements.