Question

why does cherrapunji receive heavier rainfall than shillong

Answer 1

A)Cherrapunji/ Mawsynram lies on the windward side of the Khasi hills and receives rainfall from the 'V.W. Monsoon Bay of Bengal 'branch while Shillong / Dispur / Guwahati lie on the leeward side of the Khasi hills and so they receive less rainfall being in the Rain Shadow area.

Answer 2

Here is ur answer

Cherrapunji is on the windward side of the hills and Shillong lies on the leeward side.

Basically the windward side is the side of the hills facing the incoming moisture form the Bay of Bengal, by the time the clouds go over the hill most of their moisture would have been lost ( as rain), leaving a much smaller amount for the leeward side, where Shillong lies.

It's common in Shillong to see thunderstorms in the horizon at night but have no rain the next day, it makes for a good view of lightning though