Why don't rain shadows form on the upwind slope of mountains?

Answer 1

Rain shadows do not form on the upwind slope of mountains because this area typically receives moist air that rises as it encounters the mountain. As the air rises, it cools, causing water vapor to condense and precipitate as rain or snow. This process results in increased precipitation on the upwind side, while the downwind slope, shielded from the moisture, experiences drier conditions, leading to the formation of a rain shadow. Thus, the rain shadow effect is a result of the orographic lift and subsequent drying of air as it descends.